Erika Shirogawa knew from a young age she was different from the girls around her. She lived in a nicer house than most kids, had two mothers, was best friends with the heir to the Kirijo group Namiko Kirijo, and was in the public eye since she was born. In her early life, Erika did have it quite hard.

Erika's mere existence resulted in many Risette fans sending angry letters to the Shirogane/Kujikawa residence. For the first few months of Erika's birth, Naoto and Rise couldn't even leave the house without getting mobbed by paparazzi. But, with help from Purple Spiral, this started to cool down. Erika's troubles didn't stop however. When she finally started school, Erika was bullied by the other kids, again, for having two mothers.

Because of the bullying, Erika didn't have any friends in school. She was very lonely, with her only real friend being here senior, Namiko Kirijo. The two were quite close, but that was due to the two being around each other since Erika was born.

Because of her lack of friends, Erika developed Naoto's love for books, using them as a form escapism. Naoto and Rise were very distraught by Erika's anti-social behavior. They had wanted Erika to be the happiest child in the world, but it seemed they were failing. Rise's solution was to shower Erika in fancy and expensive gifts, thinking that it could make her feel better. Naoto on the other hand, decided to try and teach Erika everything she knew. Naoto and Erika would spend days reading, studying, and train their marksmanship. Yes, Erika, with the help of Naoto, was able to get a license to use a gun at the ripe age of fifteen. While Erika appreciated both of her mother's sentiments, it still wasn't truly enough to make her happy.

Currently at the Shirogane/Kujikawa residence, there was a fierce debt going on. It was October, and the Shirogawa family was discussing where Erika was going to go for High School. It was a difficult decision, but Erika seemed like she could not care any less.

"Erika, are you sure there isn't high school you have in mind?" Rise asked in a pleading voice.

"No. I'm fine with anything," Erika said, her voice cold.

"This is a very important decision Erika. You can't take it lightly," Naoto warned.

"It doesn't matter either way, it's just high school. You can send me anywhere and it won't make a difference. I'm just going to go to bed, send me wherever." Erika got up from her chair and just went to her room. She didn't slam the door, she didn't stomp away. She just left quietly.

Rise clung to Naoto, tears in her eyes. "Naoto!" she let out in a cry. "Have we failed as parents? She used to be so happy when she was young, now she's just cynical and mean to us! What have we done wrong?"

"We've done nothing wrong Rise," Naoto said, patting Rise's head. "We have done everything for Erika. You were loving and nurturing, and I was tough. You gave her everything she wanted, and I taught her everything I know." Naoto tried to stay strong, but she herself was tearing up. Erika was very similar to herself when she was young. Naoto was also quite cold and harsh, but then she had met Rise, and everyone else in the investigation team.

As the two were trying to figure out what to do, the phone had rung. Naoto rose from her chair, and answered the phone. "Hello, Shirogawa residence," Naoto answered.

"Naoto it's me," the voice on the other line said. It was Mitsuru. "I wanted to know if you had finished your reports on that incident in Shibuya yet."

"No, not yet," Naoto answered in a melancholy voice. "I should have it done by tomorrow though."

"What's the matter Naoto, you seem a little down?" Mitsuru asked.

"It's Erika," Naoto answered.

"What about her."

"She is as depressed as ever. She's not even interested in which high school she's applying to. She's just so apathetic and aloof to everything."

"Do you think she's depressed?"

"I know she is, but we just don't know what to do."

"Have you considered a psychologist?"

"We have, and we've been to one, but none of them were any good. All of the good psychologist are overseas."

"That is true." Mitsuru and Naoto were silent for a bit, letting everything sink in. Mitsuru truly wanted to help the Shirogawa family, but had no idea what to do. Then the idea hit her.

"Naoto, I have an idea."

"What is it?"

"As you know, the Kirijo group has recently opened a new school in Tokyo. I myself am the headmaster of the academy. Namiko goes there, and I was thinking I could definitely get Erika in."

"Really?"

"Yes, it might do her some good. She'll be going to the same school as Namiko, so she shouldn't be lonely, and Yukari and I can keep an eye on her and help her out."

"Mitsuru, I don't want you to dot on Erika…"

"It won't be dotting. It will simply be making sure she gets the best treatment possible. You know I will punish any and all poor behavior on my campus."

"I know you would but…"

"Please consider it Naoto. Please give me your answer along with the report by tomorrow."

"Very well." Naoto hung up the phone and sat down on the couch of the living room. Rise got up and sat next to her, putting her hand on Naoto's thigh as a sign of support.

"What did Mitsuru say?"

"Well, at first she just wanted my report about what happened in Shibuya. Then we started to talk about Erika being depressed, and she suggested enrolling Erika into Namiko's school. She would watch over Erika to make sure she was okay and safe, and Erika would be in school with Namiko."

"Well I think that's a great idea!"

"But I'm worried. If word got out about us, or that she got in because of our connections with Mitsuru. She will also probably scare off the other kids because of her personality too. I don't want her to go through that."

"But she would go through it anyway if she went to any other school. At least this way Mitsuru can help her when she needs help." Rise pulled Naoto into a hug, stroking Naoto's midnight blue hair. The room went quiet for a while, and Naoto was still in deep thought.

One of the hardest things about being a parent is the choices you have to make. Any wrong decision will affect your child for the rest of their lives. It was difficult to make such a hard decision without knowing what Erika wanted. After a while though, Naoto finally came to a conclusion.

"Let's let her attend Mitsuru's school." Rise smiled at her wife and kissed her.

(O)

With the help of Mitsuru, Erika got into the academy, called Kirijo Academy, with a full-ride scholarship, and no entrance exam. When told about the academy, Erika actually had a small smile on her face. The mere idea that she could hang out with Namiko lunch and afterschool was enough to make her feel a little better. However, because Namiko was 2 years older than her she knew she would be in a class with people she didn't know, but it was better than nothing.

It was the day of the Entrance Ceremony, and Erika was already dressed for school. The uniform was a very basic blue plaid blazer uniform, with the school emblem on the left breast pocket of the jacket. Her blue hair had grown out to her shoulder blades, and had a natural curl to it. Her eyes were chocolate brown, but were sharp, and her lips were thin.

Erika walked into the kitchen, sitting down at the table, and started eating the breakfast in front of her. "Erika, the least you can do is look up and say good morning," a soft voice called. It was Rise, wearing an apron, and her hair tied in a ponytail.

"Sorry," Erika apologized. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you too baby," she said, kissing Erika on the head.

"Did Nao-Mama already leave?" Erika asked.

"Yes, she had to get some last minute reports done," Rise answered.

Erika finished her breakfast, and started for the door. Rise stopped her before she could leave, and fixed her collar. "Have a great day baby girl."

"Okay Ri-Mama." Rise kissed Erika on the check, and Erika went off.

(O)

Kirijo Academy was a very nice school. It was three stories tall, made of glass walls, and had a very modern design to it. As Erika entered the school gates, she had someone call to her. "YO! ERIKA." Erika turned around to see it was Namiko.

Namiko Kirijo was a beautiful young girl. Her hair was scarlet like Mitsuru's, but it was straight like Yukari's. Her eyes were a light brown, and her lips were smooth and firm. Namiko had put her arm around Erika's shoulder, and embraced her, a large grin on her face. "I can't believe you got into here! Maybe things can finally pick up around here."

"Yeah, maybe high school won't be so bad," Erika replied. She had a very small smile on her face, comfortable because she was with her best friend.

"Hey, I'm sorry I can't be in the same class as you…" Namiko said very softly, a voice with a tinge of regret. "I really wish I could help you out more, I know it can be hard sometimes."

"It's alright," Erika replied. "I'll be alright. I've gotten this far right?"

"Yeah…Hey we're going to hang out all the time at lunch…and if anyone gives you any trouble you can come to me, you know that right?"

"Yes I do Namiko."

"Good, come on, let's head to the assembly hall."

(O)

After the Entrance Ceremony, Erika found herself in her homeroom. She was in Class 1-C. Her classmates were already in groups, chatting amongst themselves, while Erika was by herself, alone at her desk. However, there was someone sitting next to her. It was a boy, a tall boy, who had green hair, and sharp grey eyes. He wore the school uniform like anyone else, nothing special. He sat at the desk, arms crossed, and had a look on his face that made it seem as if he was pissed off at everyone.

It was then that the homeroom teacher entered the class. She was of average height, had blonde hair, wore glasses, and had a round face.

"Hello everyone, I will be your homeroom teacher Mrs. Nadeshiko, and I teach biology." Mrs. Nadeshiko then went on an entire monologue about the spring time of youth, and how close the entire class would be by the end of the year, but Erika just tuned her out. It was the same stuff you had heard in middle school.

Then the introductions started. Many students gave basic introductions, some trying to be comedic, some trying to be cute, and some trying to be cool. When it came to Erika, she simply stood up and gave her name, nothing more, and nothing less. She could already hear the whispers around her, talking about how quiet and mean looking she was. However, this all changed when her seat neighbor gave his introduction. "My name is Ryuuji Hayashi. I enjoy playing the flute, and building sculptures of clay."

People were in awe of how different the person sitting next to Erika was from his appearance. Even Erika was shocked by this, but she remained stoic.

After the introductions, everyone was told they could return home. Erika was the first one to try and leave, but she was stopped. "Shirogawa-san, I would like to have a private conversation with you if I could." Erika complied, and as soon as everyone left the classroom Erika and the teacher began to talk.

"Listen, Mitsuru-san told me all about your situation," the homeroom teacher started. Erika began to roll her eyes at the attempt her teacher was going to make. She had heard it so many times it wasn't even funny.

"I went through something very similar when I was young. My parents were two men," she continued, a smile emerging from her face. This actually surprised Erika. She never heard of anyone having a gay parents like her. This was the first time she had someone she could legitimately relate to someone.

"I was bullied a lot because of it. It got worse when I also came out as gay myself. I was very depressed growing up, and I see you are too. But let me tell you something, you have people around you that can help you. You have Namiko, Mitsuru-san, and even me. I'm sure you can make friends here, it might take time, but I'm sure it will happen."

The woman in front of Erika was hitting all of the right points. This was the first time Erika had a teacher she felt she could relate to. It was a nice feeling. The two then talked for a bit…a while actually.

(O)

By the time Erika and Mrs. Nadeshiko it was already sunset. Mrs. Nadeshiko still had paper work to do, so Erika headed home. When she existed the main school building, she saw Namiko waiting at the gate.

Namiko turned her head, and saw Erika. "Yo, what took you so long?"

"Have you been waiting for me this whole time?" Erika asked her friend.

"Well, I had some club stuff to take care, and when I saw that you were still talking to Mrs. Nadeshiko I figured I would wait for you."

"You really know how to treat a girl don't you?"

"Always have," Namiko replied with a grin. The two began to walk towards the station. Erika and Namiko lived relatively close to each other, in the sense that they lived in the same direction but were a station apart.

The two girls decided to get some crepes and sat down for a while. The two talked about time old and new, and Erika was clearly enjoying herself. After a while, they finally reached the station, however there was a delay due to maintenance. It was annoying for the both of them, but they stuck through it.

After finally boarding the train the two were on their way home. By the time the two made it to Erika's stop, the sun had already gone down, and it was dark. Namiko had insisted on walking Erika to her home, despite Erika thinking she didn't need it. But when she tried to protest it, Namiko got a very distinct and stern look in her eyes, reminiscent of Mitsuru's. Erika was too afraid of this look to even fight back.

As the two were walking to Erika's house, Erika noticed something. Nobody was around. Granted Erika lived in a fairly low key area, but this was uncharacteristically quiet.

It was then that a certain sound was heard. It sounded like viscus liquid bubbling over. It was a sort of sloshing sound.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" Namiko muttered under her breath. "Why now!"

Erika was confused by this, but didn't have enough time to think about it. Everything blacked over, and went silent. After a while, little light came back to her. Everything around her now had a dark hint to it. Everything was either red, purple, or black.

"Namiko, what it this?" Erika asked, but was interrupted by a certain shadow.

(A/N): Well, that was a long time coming. Sorry everyone, I tried many a weekend to get this out, but failed. Oh well, never late than never, right? Well stay on edge everyone, cause next time we have an actual story rear its ugly head. If anyone want to suggest Erika and Namiko's personas I'm all ears by the way.