Disclaimer:
The following is a non-profit fan-written story. Dream Eater Merry and its characters are not owned by me, it's owned by Ushiki Yoshitaka, J.C. Staff and Sentai Filmworks. Support the official release.
Author's Note:
And now, quite a personal fanfic. Keena Soga and the Defendants of Constan Academy started out as this at first, but as time went on, it was an incredibly fun idea and went through the idea of it. This one's dark, heavy and not for the weak at heart. I fight of deep emotional feelings, especially when college is involved, and this one is no slouch. This could somehow become quite controversial, too, but unlike KSDCA, I don't it'll matter if I get criticized or not. Ready or not, here it is.
(Beginning of AFI's "Prelude 12/21" plays in the background)
Inside the Dream World, Merry Nightmare and Mistilteinn both stare at each other, with Isana Tachibana unconscious, with both her hands tied on a tree, not able to be seeing it all, with Yumeji Fujiwara, Yui Kounagi, Engi Threepiece and Ryota Ijima all watching. However, it's all black and white, from the view of Chizuru Kawanami, who now lost her Dream Demon, Leon as this causes her to remain motionless sitting on the ground.
This is what I brought you this you can keep
This is what I brought you may forget me.
I promise to depart just promise one thing
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
Merry and Mistilteinn start exchanging punches and kicks to each other. Chizuru tilts her head slowly to look at Isana, and tries hard to move and body, but can't.
This is what I thought,, I thought you need me,
This is what I thought so think me naïve,
I promise you a heart you'd promise to keep
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Kiss my eyes and lay me to…
Chizuru wakes up, breathing heavily, and then covering her face with her hands. "The same fucking dream…for three nights in a row…and I just keep hating it more and more…"
Chizuru then stands up and grabs a revolver from a table; then aims it at her head for a couple of seconds, only to put it back. "Godamn it…" she muttered.
She then drinks two whole cans of Yebisu beer in the fridge. She sits down, then looks at the rooftop and then rests on the floor.
"Lou Holtz once said…"Never tell your problems to anyone...20% don't care and the other 80% are glad you have them." Can we really stand by that? Does this mean that the large majority of the world is filled with hypocrites who never stand by others? That we can't allow having dreams anymore? If so, then I've learned my lesson. And if so once again, it be amazing for the world to live without me. I'm wasting all my savings on small amount of clothes, food, alcohol, a shitty home, a gun to probably shoot myself with and no one bothers to know, and the closest I can consider as a friend is gone. Except…"She then takes a tiny keychain in the shape of a sheep that Isana once gave her.
"Isana…She doesn't know I've been pretending to be okay around her…to make things harder…I think I'm falling in love with her."
[Opening theme: "Bleed Like Me" by Garbage]
Avalanche is sullen and too thin
She starves herself to rid herself of sin
And the kick is so divine when she sees bones beneath her skin
And she cries:
Hey baby can you bleed like me?
C'mon baby can you bleed like me?
Hey baby can you bleed like me?
C'mon baby can you bleed like me?
You should see my scars
You should see my scars
You should see my scars
You should see my scars
Try to comprehend that which you'll never comprehend
Try to comprehend that which you'll never comprehend
Just try to comprehend that which you'll never comprehend
Try to comprehend that which you'll never comprehend
You (La, la, la) should see my scars (La, la, la)
You (La, la, la) should see my scars (La, la, la)
Episode 1: Suppositions
During the end of the class at the classroom, Yumeji and Isana, alongside Saki Kirishima and Takateru Akiyanagi have a bit of a chat.
"Man, can summer just arrive already? It's bad enough we still have an additional week for some reason." said Saki.
Takateru begins to recite a haiku, "It's a shame; we might as well…not care at all."
"Chill, guys, final exams were hell, we know, but you just gotta keep waiting. It's not like summer comes twice a year." said Yumeji.
"Damn it, Yumeji, I couldn't tell if that was a joke or not." said Saki.
"I'm sure he's only trying to motivate us somehow." said Takateru.
"You in it too or something? What do you say Isana?" said Saki.
Isana couldn't respond, though. She looks to have a concerned look to her face.
"Yo, Earth to Isana."
Isana then snaps out of it, "Huh? Wh-what is it?"
"Daydreaming again?"
"No, just…well, it's about Kawanami…she's not here today."
"Her, huh? That Kawanami girl's been a bit messed up lately…what's really her deal?"
"Don't bring it up, Saki." said Yumeji.
"S-sorry…I just don't like it suspicious people get brought up."
"She's actually quite good friends with her. Guessing you didn't know that."
"Ah, it's probably because some things get over your head, my dear Kirishima." said Takateru.
"Got a point there." said Yumeji.
"Yeah, this the time that me and Isana need to talk in private." said Saki as she drags Isana with her.
"Wait, I thought we already did that earlier," said Isana.
"Go ahead. Not like we'll mind or anything." said Yumeji.
Saki then takes Isana to the girls' washroom.
"You do know what I am indeed talking about, right, Isana?"
"I really don't know, Saki…you seem kind of hostile all of a sudden.
"I've been hearing rumors around the school, and trust me, I'm a good source."
"Rumors aren't good at all, Saki, I think you even said not to trust them once."
"What if I say she was seen with a gun?"
Isana then crosses her arms, "Look, I know you might think she's shady and all, but I actually did meet her. She's actually just a little socially awkward, you know, just likely being new to town and all. And even if she did have a gun, it's to protect herself."
"I'm just saying. Watch your back. Because then, BLAM! You'd probably get shot more than once."
"Just don't worry, Saki, I know what should do."
"Speaking of what you should do, how's the Yumeji situation?"
Isana sighs, "Another thing I don't want to talk about."
"Denial's pretty bad, you know."
Isana sighs again, "I'm gonna leave now. See you tomorrow." she then leaves.
"Hm, that's kind of a sour way to leave…"
Isana then walks alongside Yumeji on the way home.
"Yeah, not surprised." said Yumeji.
"It's kind of silly. It's like she transitioned from good cop to bad cop." Said Isana
"We've all been there, it's like one minute she's acting all pretty, and then the next minute, she's grabbing your shirt dramatically. It's a movie moment waiting to happen."
"Maybe. Say…just in case, you could tell me Kawanami's whereabouts...just in case."
"That's a little tricky. You haven't told her where she lives?"
"N-no…don't think I ever told her. Shit!"
Yumeji then whistles and laughs, "Don't mean to sound surprised, but that's the first I ever heard you swear."
"Now that you reminded me, I just couldn't help it. What kind of friend doesn't tell another where she lives?"
"You have a point, though."
"Mm-hmm." She then thinks, "Why do I get the feeling that could happen more often…? Get it together, Isana…"
Later on that night, Isana is relaxing, taking a bath. She then begins sings softly.
"Take…out the stories
They've put into your mind
And brace…for the glory
As you stare into the sky…the sky.."
Merry then enters in, "Isana? Your Dad sent me up here to check you. Someone's quite relaxed."
"Huh? Merry? Oh, pardon me…"
"Singing some sort of song?"
"Y-yeah…just somehow feeling troubled, really."
"If it's about Chizuru, let's just say that I believe she's okay. She was likely sick and all, perhaps."
"You never got that kind of feeling?"
"I admit…sometimes."
"Must have rarely happened, then. Gonna get out now."
A couple of minutes later, both Isana and Merry are now dressed in their pajamas, now in the middle of a conversation.
"I'm just saying; it's odd how you're showing your abdomen like that with one of your clothes sometimes." said Isana.
"I can guarantee it's not for showing off. Yumeji asked the same thing not too long ago, and I'm not planning to change it, either. Not to mention it never gets dirty." said Merry.
"True, but the alternative to other clothes is still open."
Merry chuckles a bit, "Say, didn't you mention you were going to draw something tonight?"
"Oh, right, I'll get it started. Just don't make a peek until I say I'm done."
"Deal."
Isana then starts drawing the painting, as she heavily concentrates with the drawing, she grows more and more concerned and sighs.
Merry would then notice it. "Maybe you're changing your mind…"
"No…forget it. Just not much in the groove. I'll just go to bed."
Merry then looks at a timer, "That early?"
"Might as well…"
Merry then leaves, saying "Good night, then, Isana." and closing the door. Isana then rests in her bed.
Merry, outside of Isana's room, then thinks, "Me and Yumeji need to talk about this. What if another incident like with Mistilteinn happens again? Not to mention…can Yumeji really be right about Chizuru having new dreams despite her not having memories? Unless…"
Merry then changes into her traditional outfit and runs off from home.
"I think I know where she is…and I'm actually hoping I'm wrong…"
She's then able to locate Chizuru's barren-down home.
"Fuck…she's really that miserable…"
Merry then knocks the door. After a few seconds, it opens. She enters in, but there doesn't seem to be anybody there, until Chizuru points her gun behind Merry, "Merry Nightmare…I know you…" said Chizuru.
Merry doesn't flinch, but was surprised from hearing her say her name, "You knew? You didn't lose your memories…"
"I didn't. I wish it should've." Chizuru would then lower her gun.
"This does however mean something…Yumeji was wrong, you had no real dreams after all. You're immune somehow."
"It sort of still got me. When I first lost Leon, that is. It was hell."
"You need to tell me what's with you, you—" Merry then notices the cans of beer on the floor, "The hell? You're in high school and you're drinking all this? You can't self-destruct yourself like this!"
"Like I'll listen."
"If it's about Isana, she's been worried about you. She told me you didn't go to school today."
"I don't give a damn."
"Just get help, Chizuru. Or better yet; call your parents!"
"It's none of your business."
"Will you just fucking wise up and tell her, at the very least!? You lost Leon, sure, but there are still many opportunities!"
"She'll forget about me, just like everyone else. It's not even close to worth it."
"Then why am I here, huh? I arrived because I know my friend wanted to just know that you're alright! In fact, I was concerned myself!"
"You're lying. You barely even know me."
"Then at least be a little satisfied on how we're able to locate you. I'm more surprised your parents are—"
"MY PARENTS ARE DEAD, OKAY?! HAPPY NOW?!"
Merry then becomes startled and then sighs.
"I… see now…"
"My life has been nothing but abysmal. I haven't valued my life in a long time…Tortured for 8 years…why didn't I think of offing myself sooner?"
"Because there's some heart within you. Something inside you doesn't want to pull the trigger, so there's the glimmer of hope. You're afraid, you even know it."
"I once had the glimmer of hope, don't sympathize me."
Marry then sighs, "Fine, be that way. If you want, I won't even tell Isana, yeah, you want her to be miserable, too?"
Chizuru doesn't respond at first, but then notices something, "Hm, now that I think about it…she doesn't know about the concept of Dream Demons, does she?"
"N-no…we are planning to tell her, but…"
"For someone who wants to help a friend, you sure are secretive about yourself."
"This isn't about me or any of us, Chizuru, the main deal is with you!"
"How ignorant. Just get the hell out of here, Merry."
"Hmph. Goodbye." Merry said as she closes the door and leaves.
She then thinks as she's walking away, "She's like a pitying machine…instead of being at least happy by still knowing Isana, she just won't care. However…she somehow has a point…me and Yumeji really need to tell Isana about this tomorrow. Isana, you'll be in for a shock."
Chizuru is seen sitting on the floor, sobbing lightly, then crying, "Can't believe I was that rash…am I really this fucked up? Goddamn it!", she then slams her fists and later on, drinks three cans of beer as her eyes begin to go tired and passes out.
("Fade Out (Street Spirit)" by Radiohead begins playing)
(From Chizuru's point of view, she sees multiple houses and begins walking)
Rows of houses, all bearing down on me
I can feel their blue hands touching me
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole
(The houses then implode, causing them all to leave a crater)
And fade out again
And fade out
(The craters then fade out, as Chizuru closes her eyes, she opens them again to see her parents graves) This machine will, will not communicate
These thoughts and the strain I am under
(Chizuru closes her eyes, then opens them up, seeing many boys and girls her age performing sexual intercourse on one another in a large circle as she looks around)
Be a world child, form a circle
Before we all go under
And fade out again
And fade out again
(Everything fades out again, as she closes her eyes then opens them again, she sees Mistilteinn in front of her as the music then stops and no longer in Chizuru's point of view)
Mistilteinn then laughs, "You keep reaching new lows of being pathetic, Chizuru. You were like Leon; soulless and lost! I lost the battle, but I'm still at least alive."
Chizuru then growls, "You're nothing. You're not even worth scum. It's you, your fault! If you might as well make my life even more hellish than it already is, you might as well kill me!"
"Oh, poor, poor thing. So glad you asked me because I might do that job easily for you."
"Actually…seeing you here for once might make me grin a little…I may not actually kill you, but as long as I can see you dead, it might as well be starting a road to recovery."
Mitilteinn laughs again, "Did you even listen to yourself there? Killing me?!" she continues laughing.
"Yes, you heard me. You lifeless cunt!"
Mistilteinn then stops laughing, "A c-cunt?!" she said, infuriated.
"That's all you are. I believe you forgot how you killed other dream demons just for the hell of it."
"You fucking bitch! Why are you so confident all of a sudden!? If it's about killing me, it's still pointless, I tell you, pointless!"
"I know it's not actually you, but since this is my dream…" said Chizuru as she pulls out her Revolver.
Mistilteinn grins, "Human-made guns can't kill me, you're just all talk, no shit!"
"You must be that stupid of a bitch to not listen to me earlier." she then shoots at her chest, making her scream and fall and causing a hole on the chest as it slowly drips of blood. She tries to hold her wound.
"I'm…hurt…I actually got blood dropping down…all red…"
"You look like you're enjoying it. I'll gladly give you more."
"N-no, please..! You prove your point! I…I'm a cunt, a dirty, rotten, awful excuse of a demon and a sack of shit! There, I said it!"
"As much as I want to hear you insult yourself, I got many more bullets to shoot. So very sorry."
(She then resumes shooting, over and over all over Mistilteinn body her blood slowly makes a big puddle and the music resumes) Cracked eggs, dead birds
Scream as they fight for life
I can feel death, can see its beady eyes
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole
(After all her bullets have run out, and Mistilteinn lying restless on the ground, Chizuru then proceeds to stomp on her face multiple times
And fade out again
And fade out again
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
(After stepping her face one last time, she pants a bit) Immerse your soul in love
Immerse your soul in love
(Music fades out)
"Your face now looks better that way." said Chizuru as it's now her point of view again, however not once is Mistilteinn's face seen throughout, as it's obscured by a glaring light. Chizuru's eyes then close.
It's now morning, as Isana and Yumeji have their school outfits on. Merry looks at her breakfast with a major uncertain look on her face.
"You seem down in the dumps." said Yumeji.
"Oh, no, just analyzing how delicious this food will be." said Merry.
Isana's father chuckles, "You can't always look forever, ya know. Usually they'd be munching it with their faces."
"That…kinda makes no sense."
"You know Dad; no matter the situation, he can crack up jokes." said Isana.
Merry laughs a bit, "Right." She then thinks a bit, "No time now. I could sneak later…"
Later on in the classroom, before class starts, Isana seems to look a little more confident.
"I know this time she'll arrive and we'll be able to talk later."
Takateru then whispers to Saki and Yumeji, "I believe she's waiting for someone. That's major dedication."
"This is Isana we're talking about, she just won't give up." said Yumeji.
"I still think she's not exactly being the sharpest too in the shed right now." said Saki.
"Just stop being so negative. She's your childhood friend, too."
"All I'm saying is—"
Takateru then interrupts, "Look…"
Chizuru then walks slowly but carefully, going to her desk, then noticing Isana.
Isaa then stands up, "Kawanami! You're okay! You have a fever or something?" she said.
Chizuru couldn't respond, then suddenly gets unconscious and falls, but Isana catches her. Most of the students gasp.
"Kawanami! Talk to me! Please respond!"
Chizuru, in a barely conscious state, then thinks "Isana…I'm not…a normal person…but you'll forgive me…right…?"
She then goes unconscious.
[Ending theme: "Difficulty" by KT Tunstall]
Isn't much more I can do for you
Isn't much more that I can try
Twisting myself into shapes
To stop you crying
What'll I do if I lose you
What'll I do if I lose
Difficulty is coming my way
Coming my way
Isn't much more I can do for you
Isn't much more that I can try
Twisting myself into shapes
To stop you crying
What'll I do if I lose you Making my way into places
What'll I do if I lose
Difficulty is coming my way
Coming my way
Only been seen on your darkest days
Breaking my heart to take a walk
Into your jungle You change every day
What can I do in this world for you
If difficulty is my friend
Keeping me company when I know
I don't need it
You change every day (What can I do to make you notice)
You change every day
You change every day (A little more time to bring you home)
You change every day
You change every day
How can I tell you the truth
When I don't want to?
END OF EPISODE