(IGOR)
Ah, I see you've found your first kindred spirits.
Two no less. The rehabilitation is going smoothly.
The place you call a Palace is an alternate reality that reflects the hearts of those consumed by desire. Another world where those warped desires are made to manifest, which is to say man created that place…
(JUSTINE)
The school is his castle…
(CAROLINE)
… And the students are his slaves.
(JUSTINE)
The students you saw in the castle are all mere shadows of his alternate reality--Puppets that only exist to be toyed with the man's desires
(IGOR)
… How will you look to topple the fortress?
I can't wait to find out
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-LeBlanc Cafe; Attic-
The boys had gone to school for the day as the customers came and went in LeBlanc. Today, Kiku and Haruto were told to stay in today since Yukihara had something to do, according to them. It was then that Kiku took the time to explain to Haruto exactly what had happened yesterday.
Haruto listened well to Kiku's explanation and needless to say---He was surprised.
"Okay---" Haruto said as he paced attempting to calm himself, "---Okay---Okay----" He soon slapped his cheeks before he looked to Kiku whom had been sitting on the sofa provided, "--Okay, so you're saying that castle we saw is Kamoshida's cognition of how he views the school and everyone in it?"
"Yeah, according to Mo-chan." Kiku said, "And to be honest it all fits. The people---The king---And that girl… None of them felt like they were real. You noticed that too while we were in there, didn't you?"
Haruto pondered as he fixed his glasses, "Now that you mention it---That King, I mean Kamoshida, didn't seem like he was a real human being. Still if he views the school as that castle and the people inside as slaves… Then those people we saw inside are in real trouble… Especially that Takamaki girl with the way he was---" He soon shuddered, "---Hugging her."
Kiku sighed, "... I wish we could do something for them… Or maybe even warn them."
"Same here, but---They wouldn't believe us even if we did tell them." Haruto said, "Besides we don't even go to Shujin. If we go in there asking about their case, their abuse, even Takamaki's relations, Kamoshida will know something is wrong. Who knows what he'll do to the students then. All we can do is sit and wait for them to get that evidence."
Kiku's expression softened before Dide's chicken hopped onto her lap while Shiro rested his chin on her knee.
"... I just hope they'll find it before something worse happens." Kiku said.
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-Shujin Academy-
All of the students had been gathered in the gym for a volleyball rally, put together . The students vs the teachers had been intense, and Kamoshida had been more intense then usual. Mostly because he had just wanted to show off. To Ren, Kai and Dide, it really did show.
They sat on the sidelines with Ryuji watching the match, even as their classmate, Mishima, seemed very unmotivated.
Though Kai looked to be in his own world as he had been looking over in a certain direction.
"Man… This is pretty boring." Ryuji said as he stretched.
"It really is." Ren said, "You weren't kidding when you said he liked to stand out."
Dide looked to have a list ready in hand, as he wrote something down in his notes, "Okay guys I came up with a pretty decent strategy. We got an advantage since we'll have classes off in the afternoon, if we split into two teams we can cover more ground and gather evidence!" Dide soon looked over the sketches, "You sure this is everybody Kai?"
"Huh?" Kai said, as neither didn't seem to realize he had been looking over to Ann, as she played with her hair, "... Yeah, I think so."
Dide had a look as he asked "Did you---even listened to a word i said."
"... I did." Kai said.
"....Name two of the names I mentioned off of the list."
"Tenga Sado and Ken Takakeru."
Dide did a double take before he looked to the list though his jaw did drop. "... Whoa, you're right." He said before shouting, "SOMEONE ACTUALLY HAS THAT NAME?!"
"Dide? Focus." Ren said.
"O-oh right!" Dide said as he collected himself as he cleared his throat, "Okay, so the moment the matches are done we're gonna head off to gather evidence---Hopefully he doesn't catch on."
"We'll be okay as long as we go about this calmly." Ren said, "I'll go with Sakamoto and check out the class Kai and I are in. Dide and Kai, you take the courtyard."
"Copy." Dide said
"Wait what about--" Kai asked
"Don't worry." Dide said as he got a disguise. "I'm two steps ahead so they don't notice me."
"Oh no don't tell me…" Kai said with a groan.
"Yep, this is were method Acting is essential more than ever." Dide told him.
"Do you--really need a disguise?" Ryuji asked.
"Of course I do." Dide said, "Otherwise I have to deal with---"
"Kyaaaa!!! Look, it's Dide!!" The boy's looked over and noticed the group of girls just close by; all of which were ready to approach him.
Dide flinched as he took Kai and said. "And time for a headstart. Come on."
"H-hey!" Kai exclaimed.
As he ran with Kai, the girls gave chase as Ren and Ryuji stood there with the wind following them.
"..Lucky Guy." Ryuji said.
"Huh?" Ren said, confused as Ryuji looked at him shocked.
"Dude are you for real?" Was all he asked.
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Thus the investigation began.
Ren and Ryuji began to ask around their classroom, finding the people that they had encountered in the castles while Dide and Kai had handled the courtyard. They asked all sorts of questions to the students, being careful not to arouse suspicion. But no matter how many people they asked… Neither of them seemed to want to talk about what Kamoshida and what he was doing.
Eventually they regrouped at the courtyard.
"HOW IS THIS SO HARD?!" Ryuji shouted, "I don't get it why isn't anyone saying anything!?"
"That Kamoshida must have every one of the students involved in volleyball on a chokehold.." Dide said. "That just complicates things and we can't just force it out of people."
"So we're back to square one?" Ren said, as he pondered, "Wait, is there anyone else we missed?"
"There's one---" Dide said as he looked at the list, "---I don't think Kai got a sketch but it looks like it's someone named Shiho Suzui?"
"Oh I know her--" Ryuji said, "---And I think I know where she might be---"
As the boy's were talking Kai looked over and noticed Ann alone on the bench looking at her phone. He took a deep breath before he started to go over to her.
"---If we hurry we can catch her before she leaves for the day." Ryuji said.
"Then what are we waiting for?! Let's go!" Dide said, "Come on Kai!"
The boy's looked over and noticed that Kai---Wasn't there.
"Kai? Kai?" Dide asked before he exclaimed, "WHERE'S KAI!?"
"... I think I found him." Ren said pointing over. They looked over and noticed Kai had been approaching Ann. At this, their jaws dropped.
With a deep breath Kai cleared his throat before he got her attention. "Hey----" He said as she looked over, "---You!"
"Oh hey---" Ann said, "---You're the transfer with the record right?"
"Yeah…" Kai replied with an awkward look, "... Sorry if that's weird."
"It's fine---" Ann said, "---I don't pay much attention to the rumors anyway."
"Yeah, yeah good strategy---" He said, "---I'm Kai Higuchi."
Ann couldn't help but laugh softly at the way he had been acting, "Okay, I'm Ann Takamaki."
"That's pretty…" He said without thinking---
---Immediately afterwards he turned red. "I-I mean---You're pretty, pretty cool! You know! You seem like a---Chill and okay gal---Right?!" Kai said.
Ann smiled at this, "I guess. Would you like to sit with me? I'm waiting for a friend but we can chat for a little bit."
"I-I can?" Kai said, "I mean of course, I can sit!"
Before Kai could, however, Dide soon grabbed him as he said "There you are. Come on. We can socialize after."
"H-hey! You damn jerk!" Kai shouted, "What are you doing?!"
"Getting you to focus on the task at hand." Dide told him.
"Can't I just chat with people?!" Kai asked. "You're not my dad!"
"No, But I am your friend." Dide replied.
"No wait Dide---" Ren said, "---Kai and I remember hearing the students talking about Takamaki-san, they said she was involved with Kamoshida."
"And---You remember how we saw her yesterday--" Kai whispered, "---She might know something."
Dide turned his head as he said "oh yeah…that's true."
"Did you seriously forget that?" He said.
"I'd assume you were being a womanizer."
"I'M NOT YOU!" Kai exclaimed.
"Wait, then why were you nervous?" Ryuji asked.
"IT'S NOT IMPORTANT!!" Kai shrieked as his face was red.
They soon noticed Shiho approaching Ann, as they looked a bit shocked. "Well, at least we don't have to find her." Ryuji said before he went to approach the girls.
"No, no, no, no, no!" Kai whispered before he groaned.
"Hey Suzui---" Ryuji called out, getting the girl's attention, "---There's something we gotta ask you."
Shiho looked confused, "Okay, what?"
"It's about the rumors on Kamoshida---" Ryuji said, "---We were just wondering if---"
"Now just a second!" Ann soon said as she stood, "Where is this coming from Sakamoto?! What's wrong with volleyball?!"
"Takamaki I wasn't even talking to you." Ryuji said.
"Please we just want to figure out what exactly is going on." Dide said.
"Oh my fucking God…" Kai groaned as he shook his head.
"Look, whatever it is, don't get her into any trouble!" Ann said, "Shiho's working really hard to get into Nationals!"
"Nationals?" Ren said, "For real?"
"That's all the more reason to sort this out!" Ryuji said.
"Huh?" Ann asked.
"Son of a bitch--You're being too direct!" Kai said softly.
"Look Suzui---" Ryuji said, "---Are you really okay with things the way they are? Will you really be okay with making it to Nationals if you hafta do it under his thumb?"
"Uhh--" Dide said, placing his hand on his shoulder. "That's going too strong there. Maybe do this gently?"
"Wh--What are you even talking about!?" Ann asked. She soon took Shiho's hand, "Let's go Shiho, you don't have to hear this!"
"But---" Shiho started to say before she was dragged away. The boy's did nothing to stop them as they watched the girls walk away. Kai soon socked Dide and Ryuji both in the arm, startling them.
"Ow! The hell?!" Ryuji exclaimed.
"Good fucking job, you scared them off now!" Kai said.
"Why are you so pissy?" Dide asked.
"You Know why!" Kai shouted before he went and stomped away.
"... I think you made him mad." Ren said to Dide.
"What the heck did I do?!" Dide said. "I mean He's already mad at me as it is since I kind of maybe ruined his---." Dide's eyes widened, "---Oh shit."
Ryuji hissed through his teeth as he said "I think you messed up. Still surprised he wanted to talk to Takamaki."
"Do you know her?" Ren asked.
"Yeah, we went to the same middle school together." Ryuji replied, "Shiho too. Though--I heard rumors that she and Kamoshida are a thing. He does know that right?"
"Honestly, I don't think he cares." Ren said.
Dide groaned as he said, "Well that's just great. Can this day get any worse?"
"I'll say it can."
"Don't say that Ren! That just opens up in bad luck!" Dide shouted as he looked at his friend.
"Uhhh----" Ren said, "---That wasn't me."
Dide looked confused before they heard---
"Hey--Over here dummy."
The boys looked over and noticed a black cat with white paws, a yellow collar and blue eyes.
"... A cat?" Ryuji said.
"You guys got a lot of nerve to just up and leave me like that yesterday, after all the things I showed you!" The cat suddenly said as the boy jumped looking shocked.
".... Did that cat just talk?" Ren asked.
"Uh, obviously I did." The cat said.
"WHAT THE FU--" Dide shouted before covering his mouth. He soon whispered "Either I'm stressed or this is real."
"Hey!" The cat said as he scratched Dide's cheek making him shriek, "That's rude you know! Did you literally forget who I am?"
"Wait---" Ren said as he looked at the cat closely. He noticed how blue his eyes had looked and even his stare. He knew he had seen, in fact---He was certain. This cat before them had been---
"... Morgana?" Ren said, surprised.
Ryuji and Dide looked even more stunned as the cat---Morgana spoke up again. "Yuuup. It's me." He said.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!" Dide and Ryuji exclaimed in shock.
"... Are you done?" Morgana asked with a raised cat brow.
Dide looked just plain stunned, "... You're Morgana?"
"Yeah, I think that's already been established." Morgana said before he had a look, "Don't think I'm not happy about the way you up and left me the other day! And with Kiku-chan no less!"
"H-H-H-H-How is the cat talking?!" Ryuji asked, stunned.
"I AM NOT A CAT!" Morgana shouted with a glare, "This just happens everytime I come here!"
"Wait, is this how Kiku-san and Haruto-san knew you?" Ren asked, "You were actually their cat?"
"Yeah, they met me when I was like this. Granted I couldn't talk to them but I figured it was fine if I stuck with them." Morgana said as he scratched his ear , "Though unlike those two, you guys were not easy to find."
"But---But how is this possible!? How are you talking?!" Ryuji asked.
"Yeah." Dide added as he pulled on Morgana. "This should defy all logic."
"MROW! Hey!" Morgana said before he scratched him again as Dide shrieked, "Hands off!"
"OW!" Dide exclaimed as he sprayed him, causing him to hiss. "BAD CAT!"
"WHERE DID YOU EVEN GET THAT SPRAY BOTTLE YA FREAK?!" Morgana shouted.
"Seriously how did you get here?" Ren asked, "Do you have a phone that you used to get here?"
"Nope!" Morgana said as he sounded smug, "You don't need it when you're a professional like myself---!" He soon had a bit of an embarrassed look, "---Though I did get lost making my escape."
"Wow, that killed it real fast." Dide said with a monotone look.
"Why can you talk though!?" Ryuji asked, "You're a cat!"
"How am I supposed to know that?!" He yelled.
"What is this?! Some weird kids film we're in right now!? Or a Kaiju Hunter Video Game?!" Dide shouted.
Morgana sighed as he shook his head. "Anyway---I couldn't help but overhear you guys---" Morgana said as he scratched his ear, "--You just mentioned how you're having trouble finding witnesses?"
"Yeah… What about it?" Ren asked.
"Hey, wait a second---" Ryuji said.
"You know---" Morgana said, "---I could tell you guys a thing or two about how to handle this Kamoshida problem you guys have."
The boy's looked at Morgana a bit confused as they looked at one another. "Oh yeah? How?" Dide asked.
"Simple--" Morgana soon replied, "---By punishing the King."
The boy's at this, looked very befuddled by this term. Punishing the King? That didn't mean what they thought it meant.
"You mean the King Kamoshida---From that other world?" Ren asked.
"Exactly Frizzy Hair." Morgana said.
"Yup, you're definitely Morgana---You've got that condescending attitude." Ryuji said.
"YOU'RE STILL DOUBTING ME?!" Morgana shouted before Dide immediately put his hand over his mouth.
Dide told him in a panic, "maybe NOT speak in public, We're not in an anime where the animals can talk."
"Wait---Dide look--" Ren said as he caught wind of a conversation. The group looked over and noticed a couple of teachers and staff looking around.
"You heard that meow too right? There's a cat around here!"
"You don't think it's that same cat that's been wandering around here, do you?"
"Could be, anyway let's keep looking."
Once again the boys looked stunned by this. "Did… Did he just say meow?" Ryuji asked,
"What's going on?" Dide said as he took his mouth away from Morgana, "They can't hear him?"
"That means---We're the only ones that can understand him?" Ren said.
"That's unexpected." Morgana said as they looked at him confused, "I MEAN---Yeah, it looks like it."
"Seriously… What the hell?" Ryuji said as he couldn't help but rub his head.
Dide said as he pulled on his hair, "Geez, this is complicated!"
"Back to the topic---" Ren said as he kneeled to Morgana, "---What did you mean when you said we can punish King Kamoshida? Is that even possible?"
"Oh it is---" Morgana said, "---And it's actually real simple. You'll have to attack his castle."
"What do you mean by that?" Dide asked as he sat on the bench.
"That castle is how Kamoshida views the school." Morgana began to explain, "He doesn't realize what happens in there, but it's deeply connected to the depths of his heart. Thus---If the castle disappears, it would naturally impact the real Kamoshida."
"You mean it's possible to actually make that castle disappear?" Ryuji asked.
"Hang on a second that sounds a bit far fetched---" Dide said, "---If what you're saying is true, then what happens to the castle if it disappears?"
"Man you're not quick on the uptake---" Morgana said, "---A palace itself is a manifestation of a person's distorted desires. So---If the castle itself is no more…"
The boy's pondered for a moment before Ren seemed to put it together.
"... His desire would disappear too---" Ren said, "---Wouldn't it?"
"Bingo, we have a winner!" Morgana said, "You sure pick up on things fast like Kiku-chan!"
"Holy shit…" Dide said shocked.
"You mean---He'll turn good?!" Ryuji said, stunned, though his expression soon changed, "But… Is that really gettin' back at him?"
"Erasing a Palace essentially means forcing the owner to have a change of heart." Morgana explained, "But even though their warped wants disappear, the crimes they committed would remain. Kamoshida will become unable to bear the weight of those crimes, and he'll confess himself!"
"Well---" Dide said as he seemed hopeful, "---That's the kind of payback I can get behind!"
"And the best part?" Morgana said, "Once the palace no longer exists, he'll forget what we did there! Not only would we be able to bring Kamoshida down, but there won't be any trace of our involvement."
"HELL YEAH!!" Dide cheered, making Ren and Ryuji jump, "I'M ALL FOR THIS IDEA!!"
"You're okay with this?!" Ren and Ryuji asked Dide, stunned.
"A second ago you looked like you were against it!" Ryuji said.
Dide said gleefully, "Well Yeah! Nothing like stopping a bad guy AND a clean fresh state!" He soon turned to Morgana, "So---How do we do it!?"
"We do it---" Morgana said as he hopped on the bench next to him, "---By stealing his treasure."
The boy's looked a bit befuddled.
"Stealing…?" Ren said with confusion.
"... Treasure…?" Ryuji said as he pondered.
"... Pardon?" Dide said as he had been processing.
"Don't worry---" Morgana said, "---I'll tell you more once you agree to go ahead with this. It's my most valuable secret plan after all. If you want to help me out, I'll gladly teach you. What do you say?"
Ryuji sighed, "... I guess our options are limited since the witnesses are coming up short… What do you guys think?"
"... I think it's worth a short." Ren said.
"Like I said, I'm all for this idea!" Dide said, "Whatever treasure we gotta steal, I'm all for it!"
"You should let the others know too---" Morgana said, "---So you can decide then. Though I should warn you… There's a catch."
"Catch?" The boys asked.
"It's like this---" He said, "---If we erase a Palace, there is no doubt the person's distorted desires will be erased as well. The will to sleep, eat, fall in love---All sorts of things."
"What're you gettin' at?" Ryuji asked.
"If all those yearnings were to vanish---" Morgana said as he hopped up on the vending machine, "---They'd be no different than someone who has shut down entirely." His expression soon fell, "Worst case scenario… They could die if not given the proper care."
At this---A sudden shiver had been sent down their spines. Heck, it made their hearts drop by the statement alone.
"... I MAY have to rescind what I was saying about this being a good idea earlier…" Dide said fearfully.
"You mean to say if we get this wrong---" Ryuji said, "---We could end up killing him!?"
"Aren't you guys THAT determined enough to face those kinds of risks?" Morgana asked.
"Hey look, I may hate the guy with a passion---" Ryuji said, "---But I wouldn't even think twice about killing him! If we went around doing stuff like that, we would be no better than Kamoshida!"
"... I know what you mean---" Ren said, "---I don't think I could be responsible for someone's life…"
Dide said as he looked anxious, "Yeah I'm not looking to be deported and jailed for Murder.."
Morgana took notice of the troubled expressions on their faces, "... I can see you guys need a bit longer on this. Don't worry, I get it, it is a lot." He soon hopped from the vending machine and onto the railing, "I'll come back later. Make sure you tell them and make your decision by then. But just know, I'll understand if your answer is no."
With that, Morgana took his leave as the boys watched him go. They soon each looked troubled.
"That's just insanity…" Dide said, "... If we get it wrong, would we just be murderers? Their lives would be literally in our hands. I don't think I want that kind of power."
"Neither do I." Ren said, "Let's just have clear heads and think about this… I'll find Kai and tell him about it."
"In the meantime---" Ryuji said, "---I'll see if there's another way around this. I'll let you know what I come up with."
"Please do." Dide said.
With that, the boy's left as they couldn't help but ponder at what Morgana had told them.
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-Later that Day; After School-
Soon after the talk, Ren took Kai aside and told him in private. Needless to say he found it to be unbelievable and not to mention a huge risk. Ren couldn't blame him though. In the end it had been the only thing that was on his mind. Even as they left the school grounds heading to the station.
He walked beside Kai as he had his hands in his pockets.
"... Fuck…" Kai said, "... So if we end up screwing it up, we could end up killing him? Do you realize how insane that is, Ren?"
"... Yeah… It's bad enough we have our own problems…" Ren said, "... But to be labeled as murder…?"
Kai only grunted, "Damn it, that can't be our only option can it?"
"Let's just take a night to just calm ourselves." Ren said, "I'm sure with clearer heads we'll figure out what to do."
"Yeah you're right---" Kai said, "---Where is that Clean Freak anyway?"
"He said he was gonna go to the Library to calm himself down. After his jog---And after something about him---Punching a tree?" Ren said.
"..I swear I'm not sure if it's just him being an American or that he has weird hobbies.." Kai said as he shook his head, "He should really take up a NORMAL hobby…"
Ren sighed as he shook his head, "Let's just leave him alone for now, he'll catch up when he's all calmed down."
"Yeah, yeah." He said before he noticed someone familiar ahead, "Hey---"
Ren looked ahead and took notice of them too. That had been a familiar red haired girl that had been waving them down, along with a boy with round glasses just at the end of the road. Ren recognized them to be---
"Kiku-san? Haruto-san?"
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-Somewhere Near Shujin Academy-
Moments after chatting with Ren and Ryuji, Dide decided to mediate himself the best way he knows how, Jogging and punching trees. After his physical activities, he decided to calm his mind in the best way he knows how---going to the Library to read.
There he was reading a manga just as he had headphones on..
"Nothing like reading the Featherman spin off manga." Dide said. "Seriously, Time Jacker needs to take notes on how to do a PROPER spin-off well compared to Featherman. You can't just debut a new form only to die and do nothing for the next scene." he flipped a page as he saw one of the rangers doing a pose. He had a solemn look as he flipped the pages.
"Hey---I recognize that face."
Dide flinched at the voice before he went back to his book. From behind, was a young girl with short hair though it was made into mini ribbons of Pink, Blue, Green, Yellow and Red-Orange, she sported dark pink eyes with a beauty mole on her right cheek. She had on the same uniform as the girls with a pink-blue with white-rainbow socks.
"Dide-kun? Dide-kun? Is that you? It's me, Seiko Murakami!"
Dide said nothing as he read through his manga
"Dide-kun? I know you can hear me."
Dide kept being silent as he amped the volume of his phone.
The girl---Seiko only huffed before she yanked the headphones off of him making him shriek.
"Oi! Come on! How long are you gonna ignore me? I tried texting you, but you didn't pick up!" Seiko argued as it caught some of the students' attention.
Dide finally spoke to her, "I lost my phone."
She soon took his phone from his bag as he looked shocked. "You call this lost?" Seiko said.
Dide swiped it back as he asked. "Go away, Seiko. What are you doing here?"
"First I go to this school. Second, I overheard you started attending Shujin so I wanted to reunite with you?"
"You wanna reunite with me, After stabbing me in the back?" Dide asked. "Yeah---Cool." He put his headphones on---or so he was about to when Seiko took them abc.
"Listen to me, I know we left off the wrong foot, but you know. I'll never betray you---it's just--" Seiko said.
"Look, don't start to switch up now." Dide said as he retrieved his items. "You chose your side, stay on your side." he looked at the book as he grunted. "Now I'm not even in the mood to read." he got up as he packed his stuff. "We may be in the same school, but I'm not looking to make friends with any popular kids or even star students."
He turned to her as he said "Even if they were my former co-stars."
He walked away as Seiko said "Dide-kun! Wait!"
Dide left the library with a sour look as Seiko's look softened.
"...Dummy, you didn't even hear me out.." Seiko said.
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Ren and Kai were surprised to see Kiku and Haruto had met up with them. Though they revealed that they wanted to check on them collecting the evidence. They told them everything as they were on their way to the station and even when they were on the train. They even told them about what Morgana had explained
Needless to say they were just as surprised as they were.
"... Did Mo-chan really say that?" Kiku asked.
"I'm afraid so." Ren replied.
"Man I don't know what I want to believe---" Haruto said, "---The fact that we can take his desires, or the fact that Mo-chan can really talk as a cat!"
"Is there really no way around this?" Kiku asked.
"There doesn't seem to be." Ren said as he had a troubled look, "... At this point we'll have to come to a decision."
Kiku looked down at this as she herself pondered on the situation. "... Do you think the police would believe us if we told them about King Kamoshida?" Kiku asked.
"I doubt it." Haruto said, "I mean I know I've seen it but I still find it hard to believe. If we end up telling it to the Police we would be put in some mental hospital. I think we just need to be smart about this."
Kiku sighed, "You're probably right but… I wish there was something more we could do, I don't just want to sit by and let other people get hurt."
"... You did more than enough Kiku-san." Ren reassured, "Don't worry. You were helpful to us and to the people that need up."
Kiku smiled, "... Thank you Amamiya-kun."
Ren had been taken back by her smile as he felt his heart skip a beat all of a sudden. "... Cute…" He found himself saying aloud.
"Huh?" Kiku said a bit confused.
Immediately Ren turned red, "U-Uh nothing! I didn't say anything!"
Kai and Haruto both looked at one another perplexed as Kiku looked as confused as they did. Though as the group exited the station---
"Will you please give it a rest?!"
---They heard a familiar voice close by. When they looked in the direction… They saw it was Ann Takamaki, looking distressed as she was talking over the phone.
"I-I told you, I'm not feeling up to it…" They heard her say. Her eyes soon widened, "Wait, what?! That's not what you promised! And you call yourself a teacher?! This has NOTHING to do with Shiho!"
The group looked at one another, out of curiosity though it had been mostly out of worry. Ann looked even more distressed as they soon came to realize that whoever she had been talking to had hung up. They soon noticed she curled up into a ball.
"... Shiho's… starting position…"
After a brief moment, Kai soon stepped forward. "Higuchi-san?" Haruto said softly.
"Takamaki?" Kai said as he got her attention.
Ann looked at them and jumped at the sight. "You two!?" She said recognizing Ren and Kai, "Wait---Were you listening?!"
"N-Not on purpose." Kai replied, trying not to be nervous, "We just happened to be passing by, right Ren?"
"Yeah, that's right." Ren replied.
Ann sighed, "Haven't you heard of privacy?!"
"We're sorry---" Ren said, "---We didn't mean to do it on purpose."
Ann looked off to the side before she shook her head, "No, no, I was out of line… Sorry." Kiku noticed that she gripped her bag strap tighter, "... So, how much did you guys hear?"
"It---Sounded like you were arguing with someone." Ren replied.
This time Ann had been hesitant, "I-It's nothing at all! Just leave me alone!" She soon took off running, shocking them.
"Wait! Takamaki-chan!" Kiku called out before she took off running which shocked them.
"Kiku-san wait!" Ren called out before he ran after her.
"... Did she just call her chan?" Kai asked.
"She did---" Haruto replied before he fixed his glasses, "--Now come on!"
The boys took off running as they found themselves heading back into the station. Ann had been ahead of the group and yet Kiku had been close behind.
"Takamaki-chan!" Kiku called out, "Please wait!"
It hadn't been long before Kiku managed to catch up though it shocked Ann as she found her running right beside her.
"W-What the---Who are you supposed to be?!" Ann asked, "You're not from Shujin!"
"I'm not! But I'm a friend of Amamiya-kun's!" Kiku said before tripping a little as she steadied herself.
Ann soon took a look at her face as she recalled, "Wait---You were at the mall the other day!" She groaned, "I don't have time for this, just leave me alone!"
Ann soon ran ahead as it took Kiku back.
"Wait, Taka---" Kiku said before shrieking when she tripped.
Turns out it had been from a man who had tossed an empty can and missed completely. Her foot ended up stepping on it before she fell face first on the floor. This seemed to stop Ann in her tracks as she ended up turning back.
"Kiku-san!" Ren exclaimed as he quickly picked up the pace just as Kiku recovered.
"Ow---" Kiku groaned as she managed to sit herself up, revealing she had a bloodied nose; there was even a small cut.
"Are you okay?" Ren asked.
"Y-yeah I'm fine." She replied as she winced from the wound, "Ow, ow, ow!"
"Ah geez Kiku, not again!" Haruto said with worry.
"What in the fuck?!" Kai said before he turned to the man, "HEY! YA EVER HEARD OF A TRASH CAN ASSHOLE!?"
"Huh?" The man said, "Are you talking to me?"
"WHO THE HELL ELSE AM I TALKING TO?!" Kai yelled.
"Hey, whoa, let's not start trouble today!" Haruto said as he held him back.
"Hang on Kiku-san---" Ren said, as he started to rummage through his bag, "---I think I have something to stop the bleeding!" Though he looked to have trouble getting a handkerchief, "Damn it, where is it?"
Neither of them seemed to realize that Ann had approached them again. That was until she kneeled down and took her hand to help her stand. She then went over to a bench with her before sitting her down.
"Here---" She said as she took out a handkerchief, and pressed it against the bridge of her nose, "---It'll help if you apply pressure on it."
"Th-Thank you." Kiku replied as she pressed her hand against Ann's.
"Hey kid, wanna respect your elders?" The man asked Kai
"How about you pick someone your own size!" kai shouted back
"Kai, come on." Ren said as he took him over to the side where the girls had been.
"Sorry sir, but you really should be mindful of where you throw your trash!" Haruto said as he went to join them.
Ann's expression changed as she had been helping out Kiku. Kiku herself could feel her hand shake at a certain thought. "... Why… Are you so worried about me?" Ann asked, "You've only just met me…"
Kiku's own expression softened, "... You looked upset like you were about to cry."
Ann looked shocked by this as she noted her kind and gentle expression despite her wounds.
"I know… We're strangers…" Kiku soon said, "... But I'd like to know why---If that's okay with you."
Ann couldn't help but laugh softly though Kiku could see tears, "... You're such a weirdo…"
Ren soon went over as he noticed Ann's expression. "... Why don't we---Go somewhere quiet?"
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-A Short While Later;Big Bang Burger-
They took Ann out from the station and to a restaurant that had been nearby. They found a corner booth that had been away from prying eyes and out of earshot from anyone. Kiku sat next to Ann, while the boy's had sat with each other on the other side.
They sat in silence for a few moments before Ann finally spoke up.
"... I don't have anything to say…" Ann said, "... It---It was just an argument…"
"...With Kamoshida, right?" Ren asked as Ann flinched a little.
Ann stayed silent as she brushed her finger on the napkin. Kiku, who had her nose bandaged, gave her a pat on the shoulder. "It's okay Takamaki-chan, just take your time." Kiku said.
Ann didn't find herself saying anything at first as they were served their drinks, who didn't seem to notice the distress. After some time… Ann began to talk as she looked at Ren and Kai.
"... You two have heard the rumors… Haven't you?" She said, "... About me and Kamoshida… Everyone says we're getting it on. But… That's so not true…!"
"... Kamoshida has been harassing you?" Kai asked.
Ann nodded, "Earlier… That was him on the other line… I avoided giving him my number… For the longest time… He said to go to his place after this---" She clenched the napkin, crushing it, "---You know what that means!"
"Takamaki-san…" Ren noticed how more stressed she had been getting.
"Well, if you don't want to, why don't you tell him that?" Haruto asked.
"... I did…" Ann said, "But… If I turn him down… He said he'd take my friend off as a regular on the team…"
"You're being blackmailed…" Kiku said, stunned, "... By a teacher of all things."
They soon noticed Ann's hands had been shaking, "... I've been telling myself this is all for Shiho's sake… But I---I can't take it anymore!" They soon noticed tears streaming down her face as their expressions softened.
"...But still… Shiho's my best friend…" Ann said tearfully, "...SHE'S ALL I HAVE LEFT IN THAT SORRY EXCUSE OF A SCHOOL! Tell me… What am I supposed to do?"
"Takamaki-san…" Kai said with concern. He soon rummaged through his bag before he took out a handkerchief and handed it to her. "Here---For your tears." He said.
Ann smiled at Kai before she took it from Kai. "Thank you---" She said, "---I'm sorry, I don't mean to cry… I don't even know why I'm telling you this… I don't even know you guys."
"... Maybe that's why?" Ren asked.
Ann looked a bit surprised before she gave a soft laugh, "... You two… You're so weird. But you're both nice." She soon looked to Ren and Kai, "You're not really bad people are you? I've heard people talk about you and that other guy… But I just don't see it."
Kai laughed softly at this, "... You'd be the first person to tell me something like that. I know I can be a hothead but… It doesn't really mean I'm a bad guy."
Ann smiled at him as she fixed her hair a bit, "I figured those were just exaggerations about you guys anyway. You two felt like loners… Maybe that's why it's easy to talk to you, since we're the same in that regard."
Kai blushed as he was moved by Ann's words while Ren smiled. Ann soon looked over to Kiku and Haruto. "I---Don't think I got your names from before." Ann said, "It seems strange that you know mine, but I don't know yours."
"... I'm Kiku." She said, "And this is my best friend Haruto."
"Hi there Takamaki." Haruto said as he waved, "Sorry we had to chase you earlier."
"You don't have last names?" Ann asked.
"It's uh---Complicated." Haruto replied awkwardly.
"So---I've been meaning to ask, how did you know my name?" Ann asked, "Have we met somewhere before?"
"No--" Kiku said as she looked a little embarrassed, "---I actually followed your modeling career for awhile. You're just a--Huge inspiration to me so---I was surprised to see you that's all."
Ann looked a bit surprised, "I… Didn't realize I even had fans. It's really nice to hear, Kiku-chan." She soon had an awkward look, "And uh---Sorry that you got hurt earlier."
"It's not a big deal, really." Kiku replied.
She soon stood up and took her bag. "Hey, don't tell anyone I told you all this okay?" Ann said, "I'll---Figure out a way to change Kamoshida's mind."
"...Takamaki-san--" Ren said as Ann looked over her shoulder, "---If you need anything… Just let us know, okay?"
Ann smiled again, "... Thanks, really. See you in class tomorrow."
With that, Ann left Big Bang Burger leaving the group alone. Yet… They seemed satisfied. "You know---" Kiku said, "---That went better than I thought."
"Still a teacher resorting to blackmail---" Haruto said, "---It's messed up."
"... Think we should tell Dide?" Kai asked Ren.
"... Let's---Wait until he gets back to LeBlanc." Ren said, "In the meantime, we should head back before curfew."
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-Shujin Academy-
Even with the school day at its end, the halls had been busy with clubs and cleaning up the classroom. Shiho had done her duties for the day and had been ready to head home for the day. With her bag in hand she started to make her way towards the exit when…
… Mishima approached.
"Suzui…" He said, getting her attention, "... Are you leaving?"
Shiho tightened her grip on the bag a little before turning to him, "Mr. Kamoshida's asking for you…"
Shiho flinched at this.
"He's… In the PE faculty office." He said.
"Wh-What did he say?"
"... I don't know."
Mishima straightened himself up, "Well… I have to go." Mishima soon took off, as Shiho had fear written on her face. She soon heard a phone ping before she looked over, noticing that Ann had been attempting to call her.
"... Oh Ann…"
With no other choice, she pocketed her phone… Before she went towards the PE office.