Deven was bored out of his mind. He didn’t really favor having “Early Western Civilization” first thing in the morning- it was a complete and utter bore! I mean, even if this only lasted for a week or whatever, what the actual fuck, man! Why couldn’t he get it before lunch, at the very least?!

Suddenly, the Professor caught his attention as he cleared his throat. “Everyone, what I am about to speak of is a serious subject regarding the fall of many civilizations. I would appreciate if you all pay attention and listen respond- whether it is in the form of a quick note or essay is up to you.”

This definitely perked everyone’s attention- it’s not every day that a teacher makes an announcement like this.

"Early Egyptian history was shaped by its geography as it plays a very important role in the upbringing of a culture. One of the reasons we as a centralized state were so prosperous was because we had what many didn't: A natural boundary and a plentiful river. We were given order and harmony by our gods and it was our mission as a people to maintain it. We lived by Ma'at.

It all collapsed when we were invaded by the Hyksos. Before that we thought ourselves superior to everyone. Being conquered was a rude awakening and we were tired of it. It was only decent to return the favor, we became imperialistic."

The professor gave everyone a meaningful glance- knowing that he had their attention on him. “My task for you is to reply to this lecture. I want to know what you believe,” he was cut short by the bell, “class dismissed.”

It was a strange lesson, to say the least. As Thanh and Deven exited the classroom together, Deven immediately went into action.

“What the fuck does that mean?!”

A sigh was heard as they headed to English. “If you just open your mind and stop fooling around during lectures, you would understand. The professor asked us our point of views on the physiological effects as to why we attack other countries after being defeated ourselves. We are then to respond in person, in a simple note, or as an essay. I, myself, will be doing the third choice.”

The wisdom of the young girl went through one ear and out the other. “Thanh, I only speak the Freedom Language, goddamnit.”

Why, oh why was it so hard for this boy to understand?! “He basically wants you to respond to the lecture about people attacking other people after losing a fight. I suggest you add in examples, too, because they’d surely help your failing grade.”

After giving a short nod of understanding, the two roomies went their separate ways.

The rest of Deven’s classes were incredibly boring and he fell asleep several times. Honestly, some classes were an absolute waste of time. I mean, honestly, it’s not like he’d use some of these skills in the future unless he pursued a career in them.  He was just so fucking done. One more class until lunch, but this was just torture! He couldn’t stand this hell hole.

Deven slowly laid his head down on the desk, closing his eyes.

--

The dream was a strange one- that’s for sure. Instead of his usual “dreamless” rest (or dreams about a certain girl), he was in full action.

He was a boxing champion- suffering from no defeats.

He was the king.

He was the best thing out there.

He was fighting for the ultimate title. Punch after punch, dodge after block, his opponent was good. However, he was better. Deven wouldn’t lose. He was about to throw the final blow until he was hit first.

Deven lost for the first time and it was… painful.

Well, sure it was painful physically, but there was something more to that. Emotional, almost. Though he didn’t know it, his pride and ego took a major blow. This led to his fall…

Fight after fight.

Loss after loss.

The more he lost the harder he tried and the more aggressive he got.

He was finally back to the top, though, after countless battles. He was so close to taking back his rightful title, just one more blow and he could win.

--

A loud SMACK echoed around the classroom as the Professor’s book landed square on Deven’s head. He awoke with a jump- angry and embarrassed. “What the fuck?!”

“Detention, Mr. Hills for sleeping during class and using offensive language. I will see you for lunch.”

For the remainder of the period, even though Deven was awake, his head was not in the game. He couldn’t get that dream out of his head. Why did he try so hard after one lost? It was… strange.  Finally, the bell rang and Deven remained seated as everyone else left the classroom in one big heap.

Once everyone was gone, the professor walked up to Deven, an irritated glint in his eyes. “Mr. Hills, I do understand that this is not one of your favorite subjects, however I would appreciate if you attempt to look interested in what I am teaching.”

A tired nod was his only response. The teacher continued.

“Due to your latest episode in class, you will be set to clean my classroom and rearrange my books in alphabetical order. If suggest you finish during lunch break, or else you will have to stay after school.” With that, he left to converse with a teacher outside the room.

A dramatic sigh escaped Deven’s lips as he began working. God, why did he always get caught?! There were plenty of kids who slept during his class and they never got in trouble once. At least he had more time to think about the lecture this morning.

Suddenly, the conversation from outside flowed and a snippet caught his ear. “… There are a lot of diverse students here- I’m sure someone will come up with good examples.”

“I do hope so.”

It was at that moment that an idea struck Deven as hard as a a hammer hitting a nail. He would interview students! With a new motivation, he quickly went through the books and shoved them into their “rightful” spots before rushing out. He finally knew what to do!

--

Deven rushed to lunch to tell his friends about his plans. He was going to get the best score this time! He ran up to Thanh and Liam- those two being the first people he saw.

“I’m gonna fucking ace this project, dooooooooooods!”

“Lovely.”

“Good for you, bro!”

He was definitely disappoint. They weren’t going to ask him his plans or anything! “You guys aren’t going to ask me what I plan on doing?!”

It was Liam who answered first. “Silly banana hammock man, we don’t need to know when we already know the results will be like last time!” As the bell rang, Deven opted to ignore the rude reply and simply shoved the rest of Liam’s food down his throat before heading off to math.

--

The rest of the day spent after he got back included him going up to random students and asking their name and culture. After what seemed like hours of recording (more like an hour and a half) he finally finished and returned to his dorm room.

This time he was really worn out. Not only did he have to talk to some complete losers, but there were some really hot girls watching him giggling. Not a good sign. That’s why he opened the door like a normal person would- shocking the occupants. Throwing his shoes off he just fell straight onto the bed, ignoring everyone else.

It was time to get serious.

--

The next day seemed to drag on- especially with the classes. This just drained Deven more than it should have, leaving him calm and flobby.

At the end of the day he took out his laptop once more and lazily began to type his response out.

“Ppl r like the comcept things becaos they rer like simelar in mny wayz. Pried maks u wanna win espesuly after losing.

Jpan vs China alld e time fo example”

William was really irritated after reading this.

“Wow, okay, Deven. This is irritating and I it gives me a headache.”

“Then fix itttttttttt.”

“I will!” And with that, William took his laptop and began typing it out.

--

After Deven turned in the paper, he was more than displeased to get an F again- even though most of the research and such was his own doings. It’s just the fact that he. can’t. write! He was called up to class earlier, “Didn’t you learn last time, Mr. Hills? You will not pass if you continue having Miss Chao do your homework!”

Later that night he came home yelling at Liam. “I didn’t want you to SOUND like Thanh, goddamnit! I got into trouble because of youuuuuu.”

“Silly banana hammock boy, I don’t write like banana hammock girl.”

“Shut up, both of you. I am trying to work.”

--

Deven (cough more like William’s cough) Revised Paper—

Deven

Period 1

The concept of seeking others to defeat after suffering a defeat yourself is common- not only does it apply to countries, but it applies to people as well. The example used in the lecture was one of them, though it was also seen during the continuous wars between Japan and China.

I personally think this is seen among human nature due to the fact that we survive on competition. Therefore, when we suffer from defeat, it automatically tears apart our pride. The fact that we seek for others to defeat signifies how we look for something to help patch up the torn areas in our pride- to make it whole again.