School for Looneys Chapter 4: Student Council

-Chapter 4: Student Council-

With ambition and dedication brimming inside her chest, Madison decided not to waste anytime to speak with the principal. She still had plenty of time before class would resume, so it was best to speak with him now of all times today. Only problem was that she had no idea how to reach the principal for a conference.

She could simply walk to the main office and ask to meet with him, but the secretary would most likely turn her away without a direct reason or permission to speak with the principal.

To gain ideas, Madison decided to approach her fellow classmate, Cyanea.

"Hey, Cyanea." Madison said.

"Yes?" Cyanea responded while putting away her lunch.

"Do you happen to know the quickest way to reaching the principal?"

"The principal? Why do you wish to meet him? Is something wrong?"

"I believe he's the one who can give me all the answers I'm looking for," Madison answered in serious tone, "Why am I here, why was this school built, and what exactly are the requirements to be classified as a looney."

"Hmm, that does seem like a pretty good reason. Though, I don't think the principal is here considering it's lunchtime. Most teachers and facilities eat at the same time as we do."

Madison looked down with a depressed expression on her face. "So I can't meet him today after all."

"Now I didn't say that," Cyanea reassured, "There's still a way you can meet him today. I reckon if you speak with the student council, they'll help you out."

"Really? I figured the council would be formed later on, like weeks after school started."

"Not many people wish to join to be honest. Besides, no one can really compete against the president in both political power and beauty."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?"

Cyanea gave her an all-knowing smile. "That you'll have to see for yourself."

Madison couldn't help but sense the feeling of something eerie behind that statement. She could imagine the student council being a group of snobs and running the school behind the principal like an evil organization pretending to be righteous.

The president would be the supreme leader with amazing looks like a supermodel, the vice president will be their lackey and possibly the true leader behind the operations, and the other members will simply be there to fill in the numbers.

After learning of the council room was on the third floor in between 310 and 311 from Cyanea, Madison departed from the classroom and made no rush to reach the floor.

Surprisingly to Madison, it only took her a minute to find the council room. The wide brown wooden doors made the room stand out if the obvious "Student Council" white letters engraved on the wall didn't.

"Hmph, didn't take me as long as I thought," Madison admitted to herself as she knocked on the door, a hollow echo resonating throughout the empty hallway, "Um, hello?"

For a good minute, there was no response from the other side. Madison decided to place her ear onto the surface of the door to hear if anyone was inside the room. Almost immediately afterwards, the door opened, causing her body to fall forward.

Luckily, she managed to catch herself before she fell straight into a girl's chest.

"I-I'm so sorry!" Madison apologized as she stood upright. Her eyes then nearly bulged out in shock of the girl's appearance.

She was, in a simple sense, beautiful. Possibly the most beautiful girl Madison had ever seen. Her blonde hair reached down to her back and her blue eyes shined brightly like diamonds. She wore what looked like a blue school uniform with green highlights and yellow boots.

"Ah, may I help you?" the blonde haired girl asked in a soft, gentle tone and a smile that could warm any heart.

"U-Um, yes!" Madison answered after regaining her train of thought, "I was wondering if I could speak with the student council president?"

"Oh, I am pleased to answer that I am the person you are looking for." the girl said with joyful smile, "My name is Angelina. I am the president of the student council of the School for Looneys."

"R-Really?!" Madison looked at her in surprise. She wasn't expecting the president of all people to answer the door. More of likely the vice president or a lower member.

"Yes," Angelina nodded, "Please do come in so we may discuss your matter."

With that, the two entered the student council room. Much to Madison's surprise, it wasn't much to write home about. It was plain white room with two red couches and a coffee table filled with tea ornaments.

Angelina sat down on couch closet to the door and Madison sat in the opposite one.

"Would you care for a cup?" Angelina asked.

"Oh, um, yes please." Madison nodded.

As Angelina lifted the silver tea kettle and poured tea into two brown teacups, she continued, "I happen to prefer Chinese tea, so I apologize if you prefer another brand."

"It's quite alright. I liked Chinese tea the most actually."

"Really? Have you ever tried Long Jing or Dragon Well some like to call it? This is the green tea I am serving onto you."

"Long Jing?! Isn't that the really expensive green tea?! How did you manage to afford it?!"

Angelina giggled as if amused by Madison's reaction. "The school formally had prepared this and many more brands prior to my arrival. I too was quite taken by their selection."

Madison was about to react with more talk on the subject of the tea, but remembered her reasoning on coming to the room and stopped before she could speak again.

Both girls picked up their teacups and took a sip of the green tea. Afterward, they both exhaled a sigh of relief.

"This is so delicious~" Madison said. The tea was gentle and sweet to her tongue like a smooth river glided down her throat.

"Very much so," Angelina agreed. "My apologizes, I seem to have forgotten to ask for your name."

"M-Madison D. Clark." a small blush appeared on Madison's cheek, embarrassed she forgot to introduce herself.

Angelina looked up as if trying to recall where she heard that name before. "I believe I heard your name before... were you not the one who single handily won the recent Snowball Brawl yesterday?"

"Um, I wouldn't say single handily or anything. I was just lucky I wasn't hit."

"I would've loved to play along with the rest of you on that day," Angelina said before exhaling a sad sigh, "Alas, I could not because of my presidency and Problem."

"Oh, that reminds me," Madison placed her teacup and then continued, "I would like an audience with the principal."

"The principal?" A slight look of surprise appeared on Angelina's face, "May I ask whatever for?"

"It's about my own Problem. I was told to enroll here yet no one has told me exactly why. You would think they would at least tell you why beforehand."

"Hmm," Angelina closed her eyes, collecting her thoughts, "I do believe it is rather odd. However, there in lies a problem within itself with me allowing you a moment to speak with him."

"There is?"

"Yes," Angelina placed her teacup down, a serious expression on her face as she continued, "My presidency is in jeopardy."

"I-In jeopardy?!" Madison nearly stood up in shock. She couldn't believe someone like her would have a problem holding her position.

While she still believed there was a possibility of the student council being evil, her opinion on Angelina being a part of that lessen with their conversation.

"Someone has demanded for me to step down from my position as president. According to the school rules, my power is lessen when a challenger steps forward and I must defeat said challenger in a debate.

"The end of the debate shall decide which one of us becomes the president of the school, as stated in the official handbook."

"T-That's quite an odd way of dealing with the council. Who would want to run against you—"

"President!"

Before Madison could finish her sentence, a girl strolled into the room and slammed a stack of documents onto the coffee table.

The girl had short, brown hair and light brown eyes. She wore a short grey dress and an red necklace.

"I have acquired all the data you have asked me to bring you," the girl said with a smirk, "Now we should have everything we need to know on our opponent!"

Angelina stared at the girl for a few second before speaking, "Um, Adena. By data I didn't mean personal information and like. I meant like her appearance, attitude, etc."

"Y-You did?!" Adena slumped down to her knees in depressed, tears whelping up in her eyes, "I-I have failed you. I apologize for wasting your time, Ms. President."

"No, no, not at all!" Angelina stood up and dropped down to one knee to her level, "We can still make due with what we do have. Plus, there is still plenty of time before the debate begins. Assure you, you've been great help to me, Adena."

Adena wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes with the back of her hand. "T-Thank you, Angelina. I promise to assist you more gracefully from now on."

Just as she did, she noticed Madison's presence. Her face turned red as she covered it with her hands. "I-I didn't mean for you to see me like this! Ah, this is so embarrassing!"

"It's alright really!" Madison assured, confused by her rapid change of emotions.

"Madison, I would like you to meet Adena," Angelina said, "She's a good friend of mine and the vice president of the student council. Adena, this is Madison D. Clark."

"Pleasure to meet you," Adena said after a few seconds to calm down, "How may we be of service to you?"

"Um, I was here to ask for permission to speak with the principal, but with the debate going on..." Madison stopped, knowing Adena would know the rest of the situation.

"I see, my apologies such a thing must occur during your time of need, Madison. We shall attempt to close this debate as soon as possible."

"I have an idea," Angelina said, "Let us see our opponent directly. A fine chat is more effective than behind the scenes digging."

"I would love to Ms. President, but she is currently having a rally party," Adena said to her, "Wouldn't it seem odd for us to attend?"

"Not at all, Adena. Madison, would you care to join us?"

Madison was a bit surprised Angelina would invite her. "Alright, I guess." she replied as the three departed from the room.

As the three strolled the hallway, Madison remembered to the time and looked at her phone to check the current time. She was relived she had ten minutes to spare before returning to class. She hoped the rally was at its ending point so she wouldn't spend too much time watching the conversation.

As the girls turned the corner, Madison's eyes widened in surprise. There was a large stage set up near the windows and a large crowd of males surrounding it. On top of the stage, at the center nonetheless, was a girl with long brown hair with a green bow attached to the left side.

She had a royal demeanor to her slim figure and shining green eyes. She wore a short blue and green dress that made her look fancy and upstanding.

"I thank all of you wonderful fans for taking your time to listen to me!" the girl smiled causing the guys to fawn, "I hope you all end up voting for me!"

A burst of cheers followed after that like a erupting volcano. The fans simultaneously chanted: "Flora for President!" as she gracefully stepped down off the platform and approached her opponent.

"Well, I expected you to arrive fashionably late, Ms. President," Flora said as if she disgusted by her presence and last words filled with a hint of sarcasm, "But now you're just plain, unadulterated late. If I was a teacher, I would've had you standing out in the halls with a bucket on your head."

"Had there been such authority, I would gladly accept the punishment for my tardiness." Angelina responded in a full hearty, respected tone.

"Tch, whatever," Flora clicked her tongue while rolling her eyes, obviously not expecting such a response, "I suppose you wish to chat with me? Fine, but make it quick. I have class to attend you know."

"Absolutely."

Madison decided not to eavesdrop the chat, not hoping to listen on politic topics the two could potentially be discussing. Instead, she stood back watching the emotions on both of their faces. Angelina kept a calm, collected, and posed stature with her hand gestures and tone. Just from watching her, she could tell she had experience in the politic field.

Flora, however, much contrasted Angelina in nearly every single way. She barely kept eye contact as if she had better things to do then talking to her, her hand gestures were simple as she mostly swayed her hair from side to side, and her tone contained both boredom and disinterested in the conversation. Madison's observation of her made her think she was seeking presidency for a separate reason.

"You can see it as well, can't you?" Adena said, snapping Madison out of her thoughts, "It doesn't take much to notice that girl's intentions compared to Angelina. Having watched Angelina, I know she is true to her word when she says she represents the students of this school."

"So why do you think Flora is in the debate?"

"Mostly for selfish reasons, I presume. At least, that's what I'm reading," Adena then turned to Madison, "You should head back to class. There isn't really much here to see. If you would like to see the debate, it shall commence tomorrow immediately after school."

The debate did interested her despite her true objective being to see the principal. The thought of seeing Angelina debating against Flora intrigued her, like seeing a fair female knight clad in blue/green armor face off against a giant, flowery blue/green sorceresses.

How she ended up with that similarity she never knew, but nonetheless she was set to attend the debate.

As foretold, the debate commenced after the final bell rang. Whoever wished to attend sat quietly in the seats on the floor of the gymnasium before a stage that held two pedestals, each one standing before their individual candidates.

"Welcome, welcome, everyone to the fifth annual student council debate!"

The loud voice belonged to no other than Ikotu Iven as he was dressed in a fancy white suit and sat at a desk between the two pedestals on the stage.

"On the left corner, the challenger, the flower goddess of the school," he shouted as he pointed to Flora on his right, "Flora Picasso!"

Flora waved side-to-side as she smiled brightly at the crowd. Her fans roared enthusiastically amongst the crowd like the specific section of die hard fans you'll see at a football game with coated paint on their bare chests that spell out their team's name.

So loud... Madison complained inwardly as she sat in front next to Adena, who didn't seem the slightest bit taken by the noise level.

"And in this corner, the reigning president, the golden sun of the school," Mr. Iven shouted as he pointed to Angelina on his left, "Angelina Kaneko!"

Angelina gave an angelic smile that seemed it could've swept everyone off of their feet had she the power to intensify it. She gave a simple formal bow before turning to her opponent and giving her the same bow. Flora's response was her typical tongue click, this one obviously filled with jealousy.

"Okay, ladies, we shall start with some simple questions and then escalate to higher, more demanding ones. As someone who has participated in debates before, I'm sure I didn't have to inform you about this, Angelina."

"It is fine, a refresher is always welcomed, Mr. Iven." Angelina said.

"Care to hold your gloating until after the debate, Ms. President?" Flora glared at her.

"Okay, then, let us begin with the first question!" Mr. Iven pulled out his note cards and began to look over them, trying to find the appropriate first question to ask. After a few seconds, he spoke, "What are you doing Saturday night?"

For awhile, silence hung over the gym at the question asked. The first to speak after a moment of silence was Flora.

"Excuse me, but what the devil kind of question is that?" she asked, confused.

"It's quite simple actually." Mr. Iven spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Should I answer first or shall you, Flora?" Angelina asked, her composure firm as ever as if the question didn't faze her.

"W-Well, I believe that is much more of a personal question. I-I mean, what does this have to do with the council, huh?" Flora's voice escaped in a stutter.

"As a debate, we must answer every question truthfully and to the point. If you cannot answer the question, you will lost one point off the general vote." Angelina informed, looking directly at Flora, "Do you wish to answer?"

"O-Of course I'll answer!" Flora stood upright, regaining her composure, "I plan on resting, doing homework, and other activities. Those are the average things to do on a Saturday, right?"

"And what are these other activities you speak of?" a male student stood up, raising his hand high.

"W-What? It varies I guess. I mean, it's only Wednesday, I can't predict the future."

Angelina cleared her throat, "I plan to assist whatever task the council has assigned me to, further develop my agenda for upcoming school events and meetings, conduct my academic assignments overnight, and of course plan my future ahead for college."

It didn't take long for the crowd to applause Angelina on her words. Flora stood taken back by her direct, sophisticated answer.

"Okay, next question!" Mr. Iven said, "What is your platform on immigration?"

A real question this time, Flora's face seemed to say with a smirk as if she was waiting for this precise moment to act.

"Immigration is more of an individual's view really," she began to speak in a high, proud tone, "But my platform is that we should preserve caution against a large amount of increasing immigration. Japan is already a small enough country as it is, should more come in, it'll be hard for both sides to work together.

"Think of the large friction between foreigners, some can hardly speak our language much less speak it. If we lessen our laws, they'll be ghettos and whatnot, a place for foreigners to gather and group hence forth taking much more unnecessary space. It'll be like Chinatown, plus a large disconnection amongst the people."

"I refute," Angelina spoke, her voice direct and sharp, "Immigration should not be looked down upon as simply a task or losing precious space. I believe there can benefits originating from immigration."

"Benefits, you say? Please inform on me on these benefits that I do not see."

"Japan is known for a strong interest in succeeding. If we allow more immigration, we can lessen our job shortages, lower the demographic death spiral..."

"Preposterous," Flora interrupted, "If anything, I agree with you on the thought of Japan being a succeeding country, but foreigners cannot provide the jobs we need if they cannot bother to learn the language. We are better off ourselves on increasing that gap by enforcing more people to work towards that goal."

"We are foolish to think we can upheld our problems with a single nation of people. We need foreigners. Given the aging population, health care workers, nurses and even doctors are going to be in great demand in the future."

"I think you are sidestepping the main issue," Flora scoffed, annoyed, "The language barrier. Japanese is not a language you can simply learn in a few months time. You suspect those workers to put the time and effort into learning how to speak Japanese?"

"Of course," Angelina responded with a proud smirk, "For whatever reason must they come over here if not to enrich themselves with our culture and work towards a better future. If they bother to come over here, they must learn our language. Most specifically, Asian countries are quicker to learn our language than any other country."

"What a pure typical political speech, Ms. President. I'm sure that'll gather you a ton more votes siding with minors when the majority thinks otherwise."

A bell rung, halting the two opponents as Mr. Iven stood up holding a green card.

"Time is up on this topic!" he announced, wiping the sweat on his brow with a napkin, "Both participants please take a five minute rest as I could feel the heat brimming in this gym! Whew!"

As instructed, they both stepped down from the stage and walked to their individual resting desks to gather a drink of water.

"Ms. President," Adena said as she and Madison walked over to her, "That was an hearty rebuttal. I wasn't expecting a novice like her to counter, but I caught her slip into personal insults, which is downer to her points."

"My argument was weak." Angelina simply said as she drank water from a small plastic cup.

"Huh?" Madison looked at her with a confused expression. "I thought you were pretty solid on your case. I agreed with most of what you said."

"She wasn't lying when she said there would a diversity. We've been thought to fear foreigners and some even fear the sight of them now. Japan shivers just thinking about immigration, even at a small amount," Angelina turned to them, her face sadden as she continued.

"Had she applied more emphasis on that fear, she could've knocked my argument down."

"Then refute by saying we need change." Madison responded. "We attend a school that contains a large diversity of problems and people already, yet we accept another for what we are."

"Change isn't a easy thing, Madison. Before this school was fully established, there were problems that arose in the category of looney. 'Unfit of Society' doesn't suit well with many. Did you not question that as well, Madison?"

Madison stood stun, thinking back to what Mr. A told her. Those words were like a knife to her, making her feel as if she contained a disease she wasn't aware of.

Angelina placed her hand on Madison's shoulder, looking directly into her eyes.

"Listen, Madison," she said in a low tone, "I don't believe discussing with the principal with help you find the answers you are looking for. Discovering your Problem will satisfy that small hole in your conscious. Instead look for a different answer, the true reason why this school built was.

"I believe, if you find that answer, you can uncover your Problem and the truth at once. I too, am I seeking for the same goal: The truth of this school's origins."

A bell once again rung. Angelina stepped away from the two, threw away her plastic cup in the recycling bin, and proceed up the stairs to her pedestal.

"Alright and we are back!" Mr. Iven shouted as he returned to his seat, "The last topic went into a draw, meaning we have only one more topic to discuss today if Angelina wins and a final stand off if Flora wins this topic.

"Without further delay, here is the topic at hand! Why do you think you are the best person for the job?"

"I shall gladly answer this one first," Flora said with a proud smirk, "First off, I am a high grade student with incredible good looks and excellent social skills. When I heard there was a student council, how could I resist a chance to uphold this beauty for all to admire and see?"

"Um, pardon me," Angelina said, "I don't believe looks has anything to do with qualification. Shouldn't it be more on character?"

"Whatever do you mean? The student council is no more different than a popularity contest. Only the best of the best qualify to be in and as such I demand to be within that same group, but mostly as it's president to focus on political issues and whatnot. If I fixed those, then more power to me."

"I see, so had there been no issues to deal with, what would you do with your free time?"

"Um, whatever, I told you already what I was going to do, so no need for me to repeat myself. And what's with all the questions? Shouldn't you be answering yours?"

Angelina took a long, deep breath and closed her eyes to collect her thoughts. As seconds rolled on, the tension in the gym began to rise, everyone awaiting for her response.

"I," Angelina spoke, opening her eyes to gaze at the crowd, "I do not if I am the best person for this position honestly. I still doubt myself whenever I make a decision or worry about the ones I made. My abilities are on a grade scale level, I accept the mistakes I made and hope they can make me stronger.

"However, the students, voted for me as their president, their representative and their voice. May there be a student out there who far surpasses my abilities or a student who holds that potential to surpasses, that is unknown.

"But until that day that student steps forward, I shall remain standing as your president because you believe in my ability that I worthy to be. If you demand my descent, I shall accept it gladly.

"Until that day comes, I shall continue to be your voice and fight off any adversity that dare threatens it outside of your call. So if believe I am fit to be your president, I shall continue to believe in that same fate as well."

The powerful words that left Angelina's mouth left a hanging silence upon the gym. There was no applause that followed as the silence gave evidence that her words touched everyone's heart.

Surprisingly, Flora's face wasn't of disdain or hatred but rather sympathetic and compassionate.

"Well, I believe it goes without saying who the winner of this debate belongs to," Mr. Iven said as he stood up and walked over to Angelina with a raised hand, "Congratulations once again, Angelina."

Angelina smiled as she shook his hand, the gym burst with applause and shouts of praise on her victory not long after. Course in the midst of those cheers, the defeated sobs of Flora's fan club could be heard had anyone bothered to listen out for them.

Flora stepped down from the stage and as she reached the bottom steps, she surprised to see Madison awaiting there for her.

"Hey, aren't you one of Blondie's assists or whatever?" she asked in a bitter tone, "What do you want with me?"

"I-I just wanted to ask you something, Flora." Madison said, slightly disappointed with the tone given to her.

"Well, make it quick, I have a hair and nail appointments to get to."

"Why did you decide to forfeit?"

"Forfeit?! The hell gave you that idea that I forfeited?!" Flora shouted, glaring menacingly at her with a fuming red face, "Are you trying to get on my revenge list?!"

"It just didn't seem you would've gave a response like that to a question. You were really good at the second one until the end, but the third you just gave up without trying."

"The hell you know about me?! I'm not good with politics or deep, emotional words! Get off my case!"

"So why did you decide to go up against her then?"

"I already said why, numskull. If you don't wish to get eaten by the top, you gotta become the top. This was just a test to see what my competition was and what to expect in the future. I'm not freaking stupid!"

"Okay, okay, I see your point." Madison raised her arms in defense, fearing Flora would lash out on her if she continued.

"Tch, whatever," Flora clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes to the side, "I'll just find another to gain popularity in this god foreshaken school. Don't know why that woman in the black suit told me I needed to come here in the first place."

"Woman in the black suit?" Madison's attention faded off the previous topic in a instant, "Who was she? What was her name?"

"Who knows. Some dark tall woman named Ms. D or whatever wearing black shades. Probably a secret agent from some cheap TV show." Flora walked past Madison, heading directly towards the door, "Later, whatever your name is."

"It's Madison by the way! Madison D. Clark!"

"I didn't ask!"

Madison watched Flora leave the gym and wander down the hallway. Madison wondered to herself about the true identity of Mr. A, having gained knowledge of someone similar to him. When they first met, he never gave out his occupation, full name, or any personal information aside from his connection with the government.

From the description provided to her, Ms. D sounded like she worked for the company as Mr. A did. She wouldn't be surprised if she also wore a similar outfit close to his as well if she ever had the chance to meet her.

It seemed to Madison that the mystery was deeper than she thought before.

-End of Chapter 4-