After School afternoon 4pm, Special Tutorship Programme 1st Hour, Koro Gardens Dorm.
Nagisa opened the front doors to 25 familiar students once again. About half of them were wearing the CHS PE uniform of a teal polo shirt with pale-yellow stripes, collar and edges of the short-sleeved arms, with the CHS logo of a yellow horse's head with red eyes, with a thin horseshoe representing the letter 'C' for Canterlot surrounding it.
"Welcome, welcome, one and all." Nagisa chanted as he gestured for everyone to pile in. "If you have any problems, give any of the supervising teachers a call."
"Nice rhyme teach," Thunderlane smirked as the students started walking in. Nagisa sighed, wondering what the Parent-Teacher meeting is going to be like in the long road ahead.
As they did for the past few days, the Twenty-Five students strolled into the room, some brought in cups of water or snacks organized by Ms Yada and brought all the items necessary according to the Special Tutorship Programme schedule: Their Religious Studies materials, and clothes for PE.
"Good afternoon students," Mrs Blade greeted with a smile, "It's great to see that all of you are working hard for times like these, so today's study will be easy-going by just completing today's handout, keep in mind that these questions are randomised and part of what's to come in the exam, though the time limit will be at this session's end, except the session will end earlier to make way for your PE practice. Is everyone ready?
"Yes, Ma'am." The Students replied,
Meanwhile, Nagisa overheard from the speaking tubes, from the various questions that she has been given, to speaking in the calmest and kindest tone that she always has. Nagisa was quite impressed that she's is following her lesson schedule to the dot and not even a single minute of student disorder or misconduct. Perhaps Mrs Blade really was considered a nice and favourable teacher over certain ones, despite teaching what was considered to be controversial and frowned upon in today's society.
As he continued listening, something through her teachings seemed to surprise him. When one of the students would talk about deep profound questions on trying to comprehend a certain religious faith, or how the people of that faith would cope with the World, Mrs Blade would answer without any hesitation, and not just using knowledgeable material from what she had studied in College or the texts itself, but also through her memories and experience when meeting with others.
'Strange,' He thought to himself. He swore that going through her lesson plan together at recess, he shouldn't have any sort of surprise or doubt in her plans, especially during her. So why is Mrs Blade 'speaking from experience' such a big surprise to him? Did he perhaps lose focus during her instructions because of that... Scream?
The sound of sobbing and sniffing can be heard amidst the black silence... Even the sound of tears colliding with the floor could be heard.
Nagisa snapped to attention.
"Hey, guys?" Nagisa turned to his Neighponese colleagues, who were busy sorting and reviewing the various Dorm applications from various CHS students.
"Yeah?" Kimura asked,
"Did you hear anyone crying?"
"No..." Yada stood up, "but if someone is, then we should find them straight away!" She looked around with concern, "but that being said... I can't hear any sobbing."
"Sorry then..." Nagisa apologized, "must be my imagination." And turned back to the speaking tube to be lost in wonder with the words of Mrs Blade. Once again, he thought back when Mrs Blade briefly talked about her 'experience' with people of the Solaric faith. It sounded very much true without any room for lies as he could discern. Perhaps... The reason why it was such a surprise to him was that teaching from experience reminds him of a very familiar teacher who did the same thing in his past, Korosensei.
Maybe that's why Thunderlane said she was like him because she was almost like Korosensei.
But then... The scream during recess... And the crying from a few seconds ago. His wavelengths of consciousness came so naturally to him that he was able to discern people from exchanging greetings. So could this sudden surge of screaming and crying... Come from Mrs Blade herself?
Actually, no... That should be left for after the exams. Ever since she first approached him, Mrs Blade was open to sharing her lesson information with him as part of the tutorship programme, something that all the other teachers did not do, as it was not an obligation. Could it be because such a controversial topic spurred her to obligation? Or was she that mindful in the beginning? There was also the concern of how she wants to be addressed too. Is she trying to get friendly? Or was she just concerned about her age? Regardless, whilst it wasn't the usual way of greeting and building trust in someone, Nagisa through it was a good idea to leave her be for now. Besides, school-related work and matters are beginning to pile up, and he should do his part as a co-manager of the Koro Gardens Dorm!
"Do you guys need any help?" Nagisa offered,
"Sure!" Yada excitingly nodded, thrusting a set of applications to him, "Just review this and make sure everything mandatory has been written down. If there is not, then make a note and let the responsible student know by Email."
"Understood Yada," Nagisa smiled as he spread the applications on his own desk. As he read the names, there were some that he was familiar with:
Zephyr Breeze: Fluttershy's Younger Brother, apparently a big concern of the Shy family for being a quitter and slacker. He hasn't seen him with his own eyes yet so he can't tell whether it was true or not.
Kimono: A student that has been attending the Special Tutorship Programme. She's also part-Neighponese from the looks of her details. From discerning her, she seemed to be quite confident in her studies and exams and came along because her twin brother Obi did. However, that confidence turned out to be quite excessive according to Forsythe's mock exam.
Obi: Kimono's Twin Fraternal Brother. Also part-Neighponese. From discerning him, it seems that Obi was quite worried about his exams and was determined to join the Special Tutorship Programme in order to alleviate that, dragging Kimono along. Turns out the worrisome brother does a little bit better than his confident sister from the two mock exams... A little bit.
Burning Heart: Another student who is currently attending the Special Tutorship Programme. She doesn't seem to be the talkative type during tutor class and just does her work without guidance from any teacher. From discerning her, she's a very disciplined and refined girl who focuses a lot on her spirituality and tradition, but there were rumours when her hair or clothes would seem to have caught ablaze one time when she got into a heated argument with her friends... Over petty things too such as music or certain topics in Equestrian pop culture.
Thunderlane: The third student to join the Special Tutorship Club and plenty is known about him already. Probably trying to get away from his authoritative parents... Or perhaps Helicopter Parents to that extent?
Roseluck: Ninth student of the Special Tutorship Club. She's quite knowledgeable on roses, and will normally hang out with her two friends Daisy and Lily Valley. That being said, there is some mystery that surrounds her, and from Nagisa's gut instinct, something sharp and prickly, as if there's some sort of hidden side within her... Must be because of that time during weapons training before Windcaller.
Soarin: Fourth student of the Special Tutorship Club. He's a Foward of the Wonderbolts and a very easy going and guy who doesn't sweat the small things. He's quite popular with the ladies, though the girls were sensible enough not to show it whenever he walks by but definitely mentioned in conversations between girls. He also has a job in Street Orientia. Though with that amount of info he gathered on him, there's nothing that he seemed rather 'devoted' to... Then again, one could say he was really wanting to join this club to improve on his studies and accepting to wield and perform something dangerous... He would do anything to keep it together.
Fleetfoot: Fifth student of the Special Tutorship Club. Wonderbolts Defender, and a girl who seems to have grown in enthusiasm and inclusion in plenty of activities for the club, especially when she came along just so she could improve on her grades. She seems determined to expand her comfort zone outside her strong points, but still has a little bit of anxiety when it comes to comparing her strong points and comfort zone to the large world.
And then there were two names that seemed rather new to him...
"Hey, guys?" Nagisa asked loudly, "Gloriosa Daisy and Timber Spruce. Are they new students like Zephyr?"
"I asked Vice-Principal Luna about that." Yada answered in the same volume, "they are siblings that'll start attending the school after the exam period with Zephyr. Apparently, they're responsible for running Camp Everfree. You know, that camp that a majority of the CHS students raised funds for to attend? Looks like they've got good hands to run the camp so they can focus on their academic studies."
"Well," Kimura stood up and stretched his body a little, "I'm going to go prepare the backyard for the Beep Test. Catch you guys later?"
"We'll be right behind you," Yada replied with a thumbs up and a wink.
After School afternoon 5pm, Special Tutorship Programme 2nd Hour, Koro Gardens Dorm.
Mrs Blade, as promised, let the students out early for the Beep Test, with a lot of faith in her students and teachers. Those who decided to wear their PE uniform to the Programme had time to stretch, drink some fluids, and keep themselves warm for the sudden drop in temperature; Others who didn't quickly used the time to change into their PE uniform in the upper bathrooms above as instructed. All met in the backyard of the Koro Gardens Dorm.
"Okay, everyone." Kimura instructed, "for those who have done this before, welcome back. Those who are new to it, welcome to the Multi-stage fitness test, or what is commonly known as the Beep Test. As you can see..." He pointed to two lanes of cones placed 15 meters apart from each other on the concrete surface of the back porch, "the objective is to run to one end before the upcoming 'beep'. This is a test of estimating the endurance and aerobic capacity of individuals and is frequently used by various police, military, and sports organizations around the world. In the context of school, however, you will be graded by how well you do, compared to your personal details. But the simple thing for all is the longer you stay in this test, the higher your grade. Sound simple?"
The class nodded.
"Well good, because doing it practically will be a very tough trial. Not only will this test your current physical strength, but your mental one too."
"How does it work?" Vinyl raised her hand,
"The beep test is measured in 'levels' and within each level, a set of 'laps'. On that lap is your objective to get to the other side before the time runs out." Kimura answered, "Every start of a lap will be signalled with a 'beep' which is your cue to make your way to the opposite line of cones and complete that lap. You must do this before the next 'beep' comes."
"Got it." Vinyl nodded in satisfaction.
"With every increasing level, the amount of time to get from one side to another will decrease, meaning you have to complete your lap faster. Each one of you will be given one chance, should you fail to complete your lap before the beep. If you fail to complete your lap a second time, that means your test is finished. The level and lap that you have fully completed will be your final score, not the lap and level that you got out in. Ms Yada, Mr Shiota, Mrs Blade and I will be watching very closely into making sure that you have crossed the line. Of course, we trust that you will have the honesty to step out when you know you cannot make it."
"Sounding very militant again Coach Justice!" Rainbow chuckled,
"Well, what would you expect?" Kimura shrugged, "you know how I was raised. Anyways, now comes my personal tip for you. The best way to get through this is knowing your strengths and limits. Try and anticipate the beep and how you can get to one side without conserving your energy, or just missing your lap. Focus is essential." He gazed at the students with a face of Iron Will and focus as a demonstration. Until he looked at a certain Purple Student.
"Twilight?" Kimura spoke with concern,
"Y-Yeah?" Twilight nervously chuckled, her face displaying quite a red blush.
"You... You seem rather nervous... And not in an anxious way either. Did something happen during the Religious Studies session that made you so... Embarrassed?" The students began giggling and chuckling.
"I thought you'd know," Fluttershy explained with a small laugh, "we overheard you through the speaking tubes regarding dorm applications. Your two unfamiliar names are very much familiar with a majority of us that went camping at Camp Everfree. It's so amazing to hear that the two of them are coming to CHS to study!"
"And one of us 'ere," Applejack added, "jus' so happens to be lovey-dovey with Timber!!!"
"Stop it, you guys!" Twilight snapped, her face completely red, "I'm trying to focus here!!!"
"Nagisa..." Kimura turned to face his little colleague in rising frustration,
"S-Sorry!" Nagisa bowed in guilt, "me and my clumsy vocal chords! I should have closed the tube!"
"I'm sorry that you had to get distracted Twilight. Though it is great to hear that people familiar to you are coming here soon, this is not the time for laughs and joy. All of us will need to remain focused on this practice."
"No worries sir," Twilight responded, shaking away her bashfulness. "I'm ready to go."
"Now here's how we're going to do this." Kimura instructed, "As the entire test is run by audio, I will let you listen to how the first two levels play out. As you listen, I highly recommend you to try and get from one place to another so you can understand how this works. Remember, you need to be wary of the beep and the amount of time you need to get there. I can tell you that the 1st level's time limit is about 8 seconds and 47 milliseconds for each lap. Further levels will be less than that. Now before we begin, do we have any questions?"
"Yes!!!" Pinkie raised her hand, "what if we complete the entire test?"
"Full marks, with that sort of result telling the school that you have really great potential to participate in the World Games!" Kimura answered, "that being said, if you can get through all 21 fitness levels, not to mention that later levels will also have more laps within them, then you complete it!"
The students gulped,
"I can see you swallowing nervously." Kimura answered, "like I said, a test of endurance. Are you able to maintain and adapt your body and pace as much as you can? That's what we'll be finding out. Please line yourselves up on the closest lane of cones." As the students did so, some talked to themselves or with others, wondering on how this test will go and what plan they have in mind.
"Say," Sunset asked as she readied herself behind the line. "Has anyone of us done this before?"
"I found that some schools in New Mare use this test as an exam." Cheerilee answered, "what's inside though is new to me."
"If it's conserving your energy as much as you can, then it should be easy for us!!!" Cloudchaser laughed, "right Thunderlane?"
"Yeah. The amount of time for the first level to complete a lap won't cause a sweat here." Thunderlane answered, "In fact, you can even make it by power walking!"
"Everyone ready?" Kimura called out as he pulled out a stereo, and attached a cord protruding from its behind into the headphone jack of his phone. "This is the practice round." And on his phone, he pulled up the audio for the mentioned test, and pressed 'Play'.
"The Multi-Stage Fitness Test will start in 5 seconds." A recorded voice of a man announced, "Get Ready..."
Some of the students bent their legs like they were ready to run, like Cheerilee, Sunset, and Noteworthy (Pinkie went further by placing her hands on the ground like a 100m athlete, while shaking her butt for the boys to see). Others like Thunderlane, Cloudchaser, Flitter, Fleetfoot, and Flash stood normally, though ready to move. The only thing common for all students was the anticipation and patience for that Beep.
*Boop, Boop, Beep!*
"Start Level 1-1."
Pinkie made a mad dash towards the other side, the first to reach the end. Following behind her in leaping strides were Obi, Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy, Roseluck, and Neon. Sunset, Twilight, Cheerilee, Burning, Noteworthy, Kimono, Carrot, Big Mac, Redheart, Vinyl, and Flitter made their way in time via power walking. Flash, Thunderlane, Cloudchaser, the three Wonderbolts, and Rarity were the last to cross the line by simply walking. About five seconds had passed before the second beep.
"Level 1-2." Learning from the first run, the students who ran ahead decided to slow their pace down to power walking. And began to understand the importance of conserving energy for later stages.
"Level 1-3." From there on, even Pinkie began to slow down a little, though instead of just regular walking, she just hopped along. This continued for the remaining 5 laps where all students managed to complete their laps without using any energy until the familiar triple beep sounded.
*Boop, Boop, Beep!*
"Start Level 2-1." The recording spoke. This time, some of the students from before decided to quicken their pace a little, just so they were able to prepare for the oncoming beep which was known to come a bit faster. Some were able to detect the change, others thought that they could have saved more energy. Regardless, none had any problems as they cleared the 2nd level, to which Kimura stopped the audio.
"Now... Do you get the hang of it?" Kimura asked everyone, to which they nodded.
"Right, the real practice will begin in a minute. Take that time to stretch or get more water from our supervising teachers. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a race on who will get to the other side first, Pinkie..."
The cheerful girl responded sticking her tongue out. Her classmates facepalmed. That sort of gesture was supposed to be between those of the same age... Not to those who are older than you! Kimura shrugged, knowing that this sort of behaviour was Pinkie's. That being said, he'll won't let this go unpunished...
"Okay then, break time's over." Kimura clapped, "Back on the line." The students sighed at their classmate's antics as they got back onto the line.
"Now this is the actual mock test of what is to be your Practical exam," Kimura announced, resetting the audio. "Good luck to all." And started it.
"The Multi-Stage Fitness Test will start in 5 seconds. Get ready..." The recorded voice spoke again. This time, all the students had their face filled with focus...
*Boop, Boop, Beep!*
"Start Level 1-1."
The 25 students calmly walked the 15 meters with plenty of time to spare.
*Boop*... "Level 1-2"
The students walked back to where they began with time to spare once again. Thanks to their practice listening, each student was able to individually set their speed to optimally preserve or regain some energy, and complete their goal. No one was concerned for the rest of the level.
*Boop, Boop, Beep!*... "Start Level 2-1."
The students this time knew that despite the change in time in order to make it across, it was still enough time for them to walk, and so they too completed the 8 laps of the Second level.
*Boop, Boop, Beep!*... "Start Level 3-1."
Now the students were venturing into uncharted territory once again. Just like before, some students changed their pace in the hopes that it would meet the time shortage that the level brings. Kimura and the rest of the teachers noted, however, that some of the students had their faces of focus replaced... With faces of anxiety. Despite that, no one fell short of the line for the rest of the level.
*Boop, Boop, Beep!*... "Start Level 4-1."
Now some of the most confident students such as the athletes of the group were beginning to quicken their pace into a powerwalk. And for those who haven't done a lot of physical activity, fatigue began to wrap itself around their calf and ankle muscles. The exhaustion was telling them to stop, but knowing that if they stop, they lose, and throughout the test's progression, they had to go faster.
"This is getting tough..." Rarity mumbled to herself,
"Oops! Shouldn't have run from the beginning," Pinkie laughed to herself as she took deep breaths.
"Wow... These chumps won't even last in parkour..." Thunderlane observed.
"Huh, so this is what it would feel like when running from one end of the pitch to another is taken into an examinable scale." Spitfire shrugged,
*Boop* "Level 4-7."
The students began to lose their form, their legs quivered and shook. After running back and forth so many times, they were beginning to fall behind.
"Argh..." Fluttershy grumbled as she panted. She can't give up... Not yet...
"Need... To conserve... my stamina!" Twilight coughed,
*Boop* "Level 4-8."
"Hnnnngh!!!" Pinkie growled as she skipped her way towards the end as fast as she could.
"Looks like you're tiring out Rainbow," Applejack puffed as she kept her pace steady,
"Me? Hah! I should be saying that to you!" Rainbow smirked back, upping her velocity. Though both were sweating profusely.
"Bicker later you two!" Flash frustratingly looked at them as he mumbled to himself. Of course, the two girls unable to hear him. "you waste stamina by even looking at each other let alone talking!!!"
"Phwah... At least this Level is over. I guess that's another increase in confidence, perseverance, and marks." Sunset sighed in relief as she made the line in time.
*Boop*
"!?!?" Three-fifths of the student group performed a double-take.
"Level 4-9."
Sunset lurched forward in a bad surprise, as did others. To think that Kimura's warning of extra laps within later levels would happen so soon... But she still kept confident and recovered to her usual pace, which was enough to finish this sudden lap.
*Boop, Boop, Beep!*... "Start Level 5-1."
Taking yet another sigh of relief as she picked up her exhausting pace once again, she made a mental note for herself... Be wary of these extra laps, and never get too complacent. Perhaps she can look up what the Beep Test entails from the Library or Computer Lab...
"Level 5-2"
Everyone has now changed into a running stance, and many of the students began falling behind. Everyone made it across the line with as much energy left to spare, until...
*Boop*
"Crap!" Noteworthy heard the beep while one foot away from the line. He failed to make it in time!!! Oh no... This is NOT good!
"Level 5-3"
He was dreading that the others who made it would be looking at him for not making it in time... But that was not the case. Instead, the moment the beep happened, the students paid no attention to him and began running as fast as they could, while using minimal energy at the same time, to the other side. Noteworthy took heed of that and made sure to finish his lap before catching up as much as he could.
*Boop* "Level 5-7"
"Oh no!" Redheart muttered under her breath. She was the next person that failed to finish her lap. Even so... She can't dwell so much on it... She needs to keep going until she drops!
"Level 5-9"
After those nine laps, about half of the group had failed to finish a single lap once. The only ones that still haven't lost a lap were the currently athletic ones of the 25 students, which included Flash. Even so, the athletes themselves were getting very tired.
*Boop, Boop, Beep!*... "Start Level 6-1."
Everyone was at their limits, their faces filled with pain and sweat, their bodies breathing in pain. They realized that such a challenging test was definitely not one to accomplish, but a test to see how far they could go before they drop. And that's when it began, one by one...
*Boop* "Level 6-3."
The first student to drop out realized their failure to finish under the allotted time. It was over for them.
"Argh..." Neon Lights grumbled as he finished what stride he had left and out of the field towards the teachers.
"Don't be discouraged Neon." Kimura comforted as he signalled to the teachers to record his results. "The Beep Test is more of a measurement than a challenge. It's a big challenge to complete it. I'll explain to everyone what this will entail in the real thing once everyone is out." He passed a cup filled with a sports drink to him. "Stretch, find a place to rest and drink up. You've done well."
*Boop* "Level 6-4"
"No..." Twilight dropped out next.
*Boop* "Level 6-5"
"Argh!" A sweaty Rarity growled in frustration after failing to make the line. Redheart also dropped out too but decided to take the loss with silence.
*Boop* "Level 6-6"
Half the number of laps in the 6th Level were the end for a number of the participating students. For 2 laps, a single student was out; For 3 laps, two students were out at the same time. During that level, the athletic bunch finally hit their limits, and three of them: Flash, Soarin, and Flitter, failed to complete a lap. The only ones who still had an 'extra life' were Thunderlane, Spitfire, Rainbow Dash, Fleetfoot, and Cloudchaser. The five students tried to keep their wits and energy about them as they trudge through 10 laps of beeps that got closer and closer to each other.
*Boop*... "Level 7-3." (17 Students remain)
"Gawk!" Pinkie mistimed her landing and fell to her knees, her face covered with sweat, her eyes wide and dry, and her hair completely deflated. "Need... Air... Water... And something sweet..."
"Damn..." Noteworthy swore under his breath as his legs were unable to carry him through against the diminishing time limit. He pondered on what had happened back then and what he could have done as he and Pinkie left the field for some much-needed recovery.
*Boop*... "Level 7-6" (12 Students remain)
"Dangit..." Applejack moped as she was unable to keep her pace any longer as her Rainbow-haired rival continued running forward as the beep caught up to her.
"Don't worry," Big Macintosh came up to her, "this ain't the real exam yet. But..." He tapped his nose, "think ya learned somethin'?"
"Alright then..." Applejack moped, "this ain't a head-to-head showdown. Just focus on yer own proper pace."
*Boop*... "Level 7-9" (9 students remain)
And just like that, the number of 25 students has been reduced to 9, where the majority of that small bunch are the athletic ones, or at least those who had a high aerobic capacity. The only two in the fray that wasn't considered 'athletic' were Flash and Carrot Top. The 16 exhausted students watched the remaining, red-faced runners with caution, wondering what they could take from them to find a way to survive longer while sipping (or gulping down) their sports drinks.
"Argh... This sort of training could be used in military camp!" Flash muttered to himself, "I can't feel my legs anymore... Even so... I'll continue till I am forced to!!!"
"To think that... Dad's bizarre ways of tilling the ground and Mom's energetic strategies of watering and harvesting the carrot field... Not to mention doing so when the weather gets crazy at times... It really helps!" Carrot grumbled.
*Boop*... "Level 7-10."
"*pant* *pant* *pant*" Soarin breathed as deep and slow as he could, matching the duration of his heavily pulsing chest. Feeling like he overextended his stamina, he wanted to take a knee to get a lot of it back, but with the shrinking of the beep came the shrinking of valuable rest time, and that he needed to prepare for the next beep. However, he noticed that two buddies of his Wonderbolt colleagues had fallen short of the line: Rainbow Dash and Spitfire, who was just as exhausted and tired as he was. He needed water!
*Boop*... "Level 8-3." (7 students remain)
"*Cough* *Cough*"
The two non-athletes walked out of the testing ground, having severe coughing fits from such a long-winded yet intense test, but with the thought of finally being able to have their bodies rest. On this very lap, Cloudchaser and Fleetfoot missed their lap and were shafted by rules into the same predicament.
*Boop*... "Level 8-9" (1 student remains)
*Ba-bump* *Ba-bump* *Ba-bump* *Ba-bump*
The heart within Thunderlane's chest beat in rapid tempo that the runner himself could hear it whenever he made a mad frantic dash to one side or waiting on the line. To think he'd survive this long... Well. He trained his body and endurance around death-defying scenarios and situations as of the nature of Parkour. In fact, it's something that he did some research on, as well as fully committed to its training and especially discipline. No excuses, no complaints, no negativity. If someone in a training group completes a challenge, he and the rest of his team has to do it too. Train without food or water, embrace the cold like he's doing. Those skills are what makes him breathe, to feel alive and free himself from his parents ever since the half-way point of Primary School. It's the skills he can use to stay alive in this competitive world. It's the sort of training that was developed from military training and mixed with art, something that Flash himself can't handle currently.
No... He can still handle a little bit more... He had to use amounts of energy to think and create a path for him to run and climb. This sort of running back and forth is nothing...
Wait...
No... He needs to think... He needs to remember his limits... Be humble...
Thunderlane took another deep breath as he finished the lap. He's bound to complete this level, but he can't take any more for the next one. He'll lose his lap and drop out within that level...
*Boop* "Level 9-4"
"Thunderlane," Kimura called, "that's it for you."
"Holy Goddess!!!" Thunderlane painfully wobbled out of the field, "I can't feel my bloody legs anymore!!!"
"Huh..." Flash noted, "looks like you're changing."
"What the fuck do you mean Brad!?" Thunderlane retorted,
"Ah... It's nothing." Flash responded, averting his eyes.
"Well, I'll be pretty amazed... Aside from your bad language and attitude." Kimura whistled as he stopped the recording. "As a member of the Special Forces, I will say that according to the predictions behind the Beep Test, it nails what your expected levels are to be. Not to worry though, I'm sure you've learned a lot about how this works, as well as how to do well on the real thing."
The 25 students slouched or stood on the ground while drinking their drinks and wiping off their sweat in silence.
"Okay now listen up everyone," Kimura continued while passing a cup of water to Carrot who had just finished her drink, "as I have mentioned before, how well you do on the Beep Test depends on how many laps you can do according to your age and your body circumstances. If you want to get an A for your Practical, you're going to have to run pretty far than your average, and probably at least set a new Personal Best, especially you sports people. Because of your how your body characteristics are affected by your ongoing dedication to Sports, your tasks will be set at a higher level than the average student. After all, we're grading you on how much effort you can put in by pushing past YOUR OWN physical limits, while also taking characteristics that hamper your ability into consideration. Is that fair?"
The athletic students looked at each other and nodded in agreement. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
"Keep in mind that all of you can be able to practice or 'revise' for the Beep Test during the Weekend should you need it. Should you wish to do it... You can find the audio file on YouTube, and you can easily set up the 15m track anywhere on any open spot like the park or an open court. Plus, you can find information about the Beep Test can be found on any Search Engine. Just look up the 'Multi-Step Fitness Test', and you'll find all the information you need such as the estimated time on each level. Just so you can improve and practice your anticipation and pace skills with theory." Kimura continued, "anything else?"
"Yeah..." Neon raised his hands, "what else can we do aside from practice in preparation for the beep test?"
"Three things. One, focus on your own sights. When you're on the track and making a mad dash towards the goal, never take the time to look at others. Otherwise, you'll slow down and waste energy. Don't let the performance of others overshadow your own. Two, focus on breathing deeply. It's the most important thing you've got while running, swimming or cycling. Three. Don't give up or lose any hope. While this test measures your aerobic capacity, it doesn't measure whether you give up early or not. This test WILL involve you to use every ounce of your strength. And between you and me as one who puts his life forward for the sake of National Security... Giving it your all whether physical, mental, or whatever skill or boldness you have can be the fine line between life and death. Understand?"
"Y-Yes sir," Neon saluted, "I understand."
"You won't have to worry about life or death in this test unless you're very conscious about your grades. We'll be there to help you up once you've hit your limits." Kimura comforted, "thank you, everyone, for coming to take the practice test. It shows the amount of dedication that you wish to achieve in this exam, whether you like it or not. For that, I praise you. Now, the test has ended. Feel free to get changed and get ready to go home when the time comes. And remember, the showers are available for all of you to use."
"Ooh! Ooh!" Pinkie raised her hand, "C-Can we use the big bathtub!?"
"Sorry about that," Kimura apologized, "sadly, we've decided to reserve the large bath for when the dorm officially opens, and that there will be a schedule behind on who can use it. Unless you don't mind showering with boys."
"Hmm..." Pinkie gave a big cheeky grin, "surely the boys won't mind!"
"I do if it's you dammit!" Thunderlane snapped,
The time of rigorous activity transitioned to a time of calm, relaxation and rejuvenation. The sound of running water among the showers echoed from the upper floors as many students calmly walked up and down the stairs and in and out of some rooms.
"Thanks for helping Mrs Blade," Kimura thanked, "safe trip back home!"
"No problem." Mrs Blade laughed as she had her things packed up and ready to leave. "I'll see you Tomorrow evening!"
"Wow," Carrot watched as she sat in the living room with Roseluck and Kimono, "Coach Justice really is straight to the point on lots of topics. I guess he really doesn't mince his words after all!"
"Well, all the sports lessons with him were pretty tough and exhausting, but it was certainly fun. That being said, he seems to make sure everyone's not fully worked to the bone!" Kimono added,
"You got to hand it to him," Roseluck concluded. "Coach Justice put a lot of effort into making all this practice Beep Test of his, not to mention the numerous drinks he provided for our recovery. We'd never see that sort of thing in the actual test for next week."
"That was probably Ms Yada's doing." Kimono continued, "but I think that makes it even better. Though Ms Yada is the substitute for various classes, and Coach Justice is focused on PE, they actually work so well together they might as well be a couple!"
"You know, I actually like that!" Roseluck agreed, "Ms Yada's mature and caring as if she treats everyone like her little siblings who are happy to listen and join in their discussions, while Coach Justice is strict and disciplining to others, but in a way that he cares when someone gets injured too! It sounds like they have opposites in personality, but together they would make a really caring couple and family!"
"Well, what can I say?" Yada jumped in, "we're both quite attached to our respective families in our own special ways! Did you know that Coach ended up with his 'Justice' name due to his parents?"
"Oh really? Wow! You got to tell us more!" Carrot beamed, eager to hear more about their Special Forces Coach.
"Wow," Nagisa laughed as the two male teachers overheard the girls, "Looks like the students are REALLY interested in you now."
"Good Grief..." Kimura moaned, "Whilst that much is true, I'm starting to be mentioned alongside Yada in the potential of that sort of relationship!"
"What's the problem with that?" Nagisa replied, "Chiba and Hayami have been dating ever since we finished Junior High, though I have to wonder why they're still doing this after 10 years... Anyway, Isaogai and Kataoka began dating last year, Sugino's personally keeping in touch with Kanzaki despite being in Equestria, Muramatsu and Hazama are getting along, and so is Yoshida with Hara. Heck, even Okajima is constantly asking Kurahashi to officially be a couple! A majority of our former E Class are beginning to have feelings with each other or even exploring those feelings together. So what is your problem if people find a romantic connection between you and Yada?"
"You know my actual job of being a member of the Special Forces? One day at work may be our last on this World. How painful would it be for my hypothetical wife and children?"
"I understand your concern." Nagisa nodded, "the life of a law enforcer like your mom and dad, or a Government agent like Mr Karasuma and Professor Bitch isn't exactly a long-lasting or peaceful one. However, both decided to risk it and end up together for life. If they didn't... I probably wouldn't be talking to you right now, and the world would have been destroyed if you didn't exist."
"I get it, I'm too devoted to my job, I know." Kimura nodded with regret, "maybe I'm just not thinking of settling down and bringing up a family together with the one I love... Or if I can, that is."
"Yeah, that sounds more like it..." Nagisa comforted before he himself made a frown, "... I understand that too."
"You are amazing Thunderlane!" Soarin complimented from within his shower cubicle as he and the boys of the Special Tutorship Club were in the male bathroom cleansing themselves. "You've got the highest stamina out of all of us! Are you sure you're not interested in joining a sport? The track and field team could use someone like you!"
"Parkour's tough on the muscles and mind," Thunderlane answered while wiping down his sweaty self with a towel, refusing to take a shower. "And now that I think about it, running back and forth actually reminded me of when I was still in a parkour group, training and being disciplined in a pack. No other sport is to my liking but Parkour."
"It's quite a surprise that we're learning about this now, rather than when we first met in the club and introducing ourselves." Flash answered from his shower cubicle, "maybe you should have opened up with us a bit more!"
"But to be fair... You never spoke to us 'bout bein' in the Military." Big Mac pointed out, also cleaning himself in a shower cubicle. "Granted, ah guess it could sound more dangerous than cool..."
"I thought my entire Ninja schtick back in the presentation would raise a few pointers about my Physical ability. But hey, what's said has been said, and we've been going through lots as a group that I'm happy to share any sort of news about me." Thudnerlane answered. "As long as I'm in a good mood that is."
"Yes," Noteworthy nodded, who was drying himself off while finishing off his shower and leaving the cubicle. "Perhaps joining the club was the best choice after all. At least I won't see you in a negative image anymore."
"Meh, if they can't tolerate me at my worst, they don't deserve my best." Thunderlane shrugged, "now what about you Mr Pirate. You wanna share something regarding the eye of yours?"
"I'm afraid not." Noteworthy adamantly shook his head as he got dressed in his clean casual clothes. "That sort of information is much more personal than one's hobbies."
"Aight then, I won't poke any further. Still a disappointment though." Thunderlane moaned,
"What about you Soarin?" Big Mac answered, "ya got anythin' interesting aside from bein' part of the Wonderbolts and a worker at Street Orientia?"
"Well," Soarin chuckled, "since it's you guys, I guess I can share a little bit more information. I went through my Primary Education through a different school, and well... It's actually the start of how I got so popular with the girls and guys. You know, the stereotypical popular jock?"
"You must have started playing soccer at a young age then, to be a hit with the chicks." Thunderlane complimented.
"Actually soccer wasn't my first sport at all, nor was it the sport that would get you so popular in that Junior School. Rather, it was my practice, as well as demonstration, of Martial Arts, that got me popular then."
The others (except Flash) dropped their jaws in astonishment.
"Well, that's another surprise!" Big Mac spoke out.
"But as much as I'd like talking with you guys." Soarin stepped out of the showers and got to changing clothes, "we still have exams to prepare for the weekend, and I'd like to get home and get started with it as soon as possible. Catch you guys later?"
"Sure. Same here." Thunderlane stood up and left the changing room. "Catch ya on Monday." Thunderlane waved good-bye.
"Take care partner." Big Mac called out.
"Till we meet again," Noteworthy replied.
"Hey, Brad? No good-byes?" Thunderlane paused, noticing that the boy with the shield-bearing cutie mark had not said a thing.
"Oh? Sorry... See you later Thunderlane." Flash answered back. As he heard Thunderlane leave, he returned to what he was doing before Thunderlane called his name: Standing and staring blankly at the direction of Soarin's silhouette, completely unfazed by the hot water pouring down the back of his hair and neck.
"Soarin... So you still remember..." Flash thought to himself.