Red took his hand and ran off towards the classroom. Inside the classroom, the prisoners were given a broad education that covered everything the Futurists deemed necessary for their future military assets. The core subjects(Math, Science, Literature, and History) were the main focus.
After that, everyone was able to focus on subclasses that they enjoyed. Red chose the culinary course since she didnt have to do much. Raioten chose the engineering course because he was intrigued learning about the tiny pieces that came together to make a machine.
When classes were over, they went into the gym. The coach was there to get notes on how physically fit the two were based on a set of exercises. Raioten was nervous and chose not to do too much. He pretended to struggle with the minimum weight of 45lbs on each lift. The only exercise he went all out on was the treadmill.
Running gave him a unique feeling compared to the other exercises. The Coach in awe at his speed. As he ran, they turned up the speed to its highest setting. At a blazing 60mph, Raioten impressed the teachers by setting a record. When it was time for Red to compete, she showed off her competitive side.
She lifted as much as she could and ran as fast as possible. Her bench press was a staggering 280lbs, her squat: 450lbs and her max speed on the treadmill was 36mph.
Coach: Where did these kids come from, this is insane!
After being given workout programs to follow, the teachers gathered to grade the two newcomers. Raioten was put in D class for his unwillingness to put much effort into his exercises. Red was put into B class for her all around tremendous talent.
Red: B? B? What do you mean B? Who else is better than I am?
The Coach had really only given her that grade to inspire her to push further.
Coach: You've got talent but you don't really think you're top class do you? You've got a long way to go little lady. There goes an A class member right there.
The coach pointed to a lean, muscular man waking alone.
Red: Who is that chump?
Before Red could match up to him, Raioten stopped her. He shook his head rapidly, hoping that she'd understand. He knew that even if he could speak, it would be hard to explain the feeling he got from that guy. He could just tell that he was powerful, and bad news.
Coach: That's Jugo, he's a tough one. He's the favorite to win the competition this year.
Red: Wait what? I'll smash him.
Coach: I wouldn't be so sure, that guy is a real physical specimen. Odds are he'll be the one moving up to the third floor.
Red: Whatever, where's the rest of his team of losers?
Coach: There is no one else. His team had a falling out earlier this year and he killed the other two. Even alone, he's still the toughest person on these floors.
Raioten looked at the Coach and pointed up. He began to flex and then pointed at Jugo. Coach had no idea what he was trying to do.
Red: He wants to know how tough the guys are on the third floor. Compared to that moron.
Coach: Hmmm, from what I know, he wouldn't stand out much at all. Thunor is way more terrifying.
Raioten looked on with intrigued eyes.
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Coach: Yeah! You'll be surprised that a person could get that massive, he's like 8 feet tall! Say, where did your little friend go?
Raioten and Coach looked around until the found Red. She was standing in front of Jugo. Jugo's voice was low and ghastly.
Jugo: What do you want?
Red: I'm gonna kick your butt!
Jugo: Wait, what?
Red: You heard me ya big dummy! In the competition, I'm gonna kick your butt!
Coach and Raioten stood back with their jaws to the floor.
Coach: She's going to get herself killed!
Jugo laughed loudly and leaned over Red.
Jugo: Stay out of my way girl, or I might just squish you on accident.
Red slapped Jugo with no hesitation. The sound echoed loudly, catching the attention of those around them. Coach passed out from what he had witnessed. Jugo stood tall, veins protruding from every part of his face.
Jugo: You're dead.
Jugo raised his fist and Red got into a fighting stance. Before they could begi fighting, Raioten jumped in the way. He held his arms out wide to stop them.
Red: Move pipsqueak, so I can teach him some manners!
Raioten turned to Red with a look of fear and despair. He shook his head slowly. The look in his eyes chipped away at Red's bravado.
Jugo: So, it looks like one of you actually is pretty smart. Don't worry brat, I won't kill you two today.
Raioten let out a sigh of relief and bowed repeatedly to Jugo. Jugo placed a hand on top of Raioten's head.
Jugo: But you see, we still have an issue. She hit me, so i get a hit back. Its only fair.
Raioten opened his arms again, offering himself to take the shot.
Jugo: You would do that for her? You know this will kill you right, I won't hold back.
Red: That's not fair! I only slapped you.
Raioten turned to her and gave a reassuring smile. Jugo wound up his fist, and swung with all his might. His arm was fully extended, leaving his fist just a hair from Raioten's face. The powerful strike sent powerful wind rushing forward that knocked Raioten on his butt. The young boy looked around in the confusion as Jugo crouched down near him.
Jugo: You're a good kid. Stick with your team no matter what and we might actually get a chance to compete at the end of the year. And you(to Red)!
Red: What is it?
Jugo: You two better not die on me, I'll be looking forward to finishing what you started today.
Red: I don't see why you're so happy to lose though but whatever.
Jugo: I love the confidence. Little dude...
Jugo stuck out his fist to Raioten. He didn't understand the gesture and was confused
Red: Just bump your fist on his, silly.
Raioten tapped his fist against Jugo's and the large man smiled. As Jugo walked away, dozens of prisoners stepped out of his path.
Red: Blue! We gotta get super strong to beat him up!
Raioten was nervous about the thought of fighting against Jugo, but even though he knew the man was extremely strong, he wasn't as afraid of him anymore. After the encounter with Jugo, the children went to pick up Marina from the infirmary. When they arrived, the Warden was on his way out. Raioten jumped in front of Red.
Warden: Hello there, are you two adjusting well to life on the second floor?
Red: Yes, it seems nice enough for now, but we're planning to move up real soon!
Warden: Is that so? You better make good use of your time because you only have about two months left.
Red: More than enough time. We could take a month off and still win!
Warden: I'll be watching with high hopes. Just don't get discouraged if you guys to place high, its only natural.
Red: Yeah, for losers.
Red walked past the Warden as he chuckled at her confidence. Inside the infirmary, Marina was laying back in bed staring intently at the ceiling. Her eyes were sharp and focused. She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear Red calling to her for a moment.
Marina: Oh yes? I'm sorry, is it time to go?
Red: Yeah, we came to get you. Did that jerk do something mean to you? I'll go kick his butt!
Marina: No, no he wasn't mean I promise. He was actually really kind. I know that I won't be able to help you guys any time soon but he gave me some encouraging words that I think will get me through this.
Red: Really? Who knew he had a nice side.
Marina: It surprised me too. Thanks to him, I have a clear goal in mind and I won't settle for anything less!
Red: That's awesome Marina!
Marina: Alright, let's head to our room for the night.
Red: Ok! Me and Blue have to start training even harder! We almost fought a big monster guy!
Marina: Wait what?
Red: Yeah, he almost killed Blue, little guy was shaking.
Raioten growled at her and put up his fists.
Red: I was wondering when you were gonna try to take me down again, it's been like a whole hour. Come on!
Marina sat down to relax herself while the kids brawled. Red was able to knock Raioten down over and over again. Every time that Marina thought the fighting was over, he would get back up and lose again. After one particular roundhouse, Red managed to successfully keep him down. She was panting heavily from the exertion.
Red: Ha! I... told you I'd win... loser.
Red helped Raioten to his feet and let Marina know they had finished fighting, for the moment. . .

