Chapter 5: The Fool pt.1
4/8 Friday, 2016
Katsumi's pov
School started four days ago...and it was...something. I was persuaded multiple times ever since day one to join the volleyball team because I was...quite athletic, but no matter how many time they ask, I said no. The one who asked me was a PE teacher and former olympian athlete...Suguru Fucking Kamoshida. When I refused for the first time, Rumors about me started appearing...my guess is that asshole somehow manage to find out and spread it like a runner past his/her baton. But unfortunately for him, I'm one of those people who don't get angry that easy just because of rumors, cause there's no point getting angry at something like that. Right now, I'm in my classroom, putting all my books so I can go home. In day one, I was surprised that I'm in the same class as 'her'. When I meant 'her' I meant Ann Takamaki...who for some reason I have the same sensation when I with Sayaka...wish I knew what it was. Speaking of Sayaka, she's in the same class as Ryuji, who now died his hair blonde and most people here treated him like shit...can't blame him though.
I don't wear the school's blazer and white turtleneck wearing a gray hoodie with my blue boom headphones around my neck, I stil wear the school's red plaid trousers though. Once I done, I walk from the classroom to go home.
"Matabei-kun! Leaving home?" A voice said as I look who it is. It is a man in his early 20's with messy brown hair and glasses. He wears a formal attire like most teacher here. This is Hojo Yamazaki, one of the few teacher who dislikes Kamoshida. Not all teacher and students liked Kamoshida eventhough all of the students who opposed him got expelled and the teachers who talked back got fired.
"Yes, I am." I replied him as we went to buy some drinks from the vending machine. Six months ago, he started relationships with my mom, but they're not married yet because mom still cautious because of what happened with Kurata, but overtime she opens up with him a bit and let him live with me for a while. The reason I like him because...well he's the least liked teacher because his dislike with the former olympian athlete. Especially when the track team's coach who is so happens to be his best friend got fired, causing the team got disbanded. He also the only one who knows me and Sayaka are the Phantom Thieves.
"Kamoshida still tried to persuade you to join the team, I take it?"
"Yup, the asshole doesn't take a no for an answer."
"I figured as much..." Mr. Yamazaki sighed. "But still...you and Shiramine-san may be the Phantom Thieves...but your still a pair of high schoolers. Don't start a fight you can't win, alright?" He warned me as I nod.
"Good." Mr. Yamazaki said as he pull out his phone and his eyes widen at the time. "Well, shit. I probably have to get going, going to buy some groceries for tonight , see you around!" He said as I waved him. I walk to the gate, and saw Sayaka and someone waiting at the gate. She was talking with a boy who have black haired, white turtleneck, and red plaid trousers. His face was covered by bruises. This Yuuki Mishima, the our class representative and a member of the volleyball team...which I called him 'Kamoshida's chew toy'...I think.
"'Sup Mishima, try your luck ask-" I never got to finish as Sayaka kicked me in the balls...which is hurts like hell. "Dammit, I'm just kidding, you amazonian princess!"
"Serves you right, perv." She pouted before she look at Mishima. "Are you sure you alright, Mishima-kun?"
"I am...thanks for asking, Kumiko-san." Mishima said as he went to the training building. Of all the club he chose, he just HAD to choose that one. I pity the poor guy.
"Say Katsumi, do you heard a rumor?" Sayaka asked.
"Which one?"
"About a transfer student. They said he's got an assault on his record...but I doubt that's the only reason." She said
"Hnhn. To quote from a movie: 'There's more to someone than meets the eye'." I said.
"It's from Transformers yeah?" Sayaka said.
"Yeah, I liked the fourth movie." I pull out my phone as I look at the time. "Should we go to Mementos?"
"Actually...My mom told me to buy for dinner, so I can't."
"Guess I'm going solo." I said as I went to the station to catch a train to Shibuya. Then, I went to Station Square as I open the app to go to Mementos.
"Where the hell is Morgana!?" I exclaimed angrily as I wait at the entrance. I went down to kill some shadow as I wait for Morgana. But that 'self proclaimed human' cat hasn't showed up...guess it can't be help. I decided to go home...
4/9 Saturday, 2016
School's went by as usual. I went straight home, but not before eavesdropping a conversation. It's between Takamaki and Kamoshida. I heard from a rumor that she and the bastard are getting together...but I know that's bullshit...bitch ass pedo.
As I left the building, I see Sayaka and Makoto at the gate. "Hey Taiki." They all said in unison. "Yo. What are two doing?"
"We were just about to hangout. Want to join?"
"Nah. I need to go somewhere, catch ya later!" I said as I went to the station to go to 'Untouchable' in Shibuya. Several minutes later, I went inside the store, it's an airsoft shop. I've been here several times every since the Kurata incident. "Yo, Iwai-san. Got some good guns?" I said as a man who appears to be the owner of the shop heard me. He is middle-aged man with grey hair, faint stubble, sideburns and earrings. A tattoo of a gecko is on the left side of his neck near the back. He has a lollipop in his mouth. His outfit consists a gray hat with yellow ear defenders, a black turtleneck sweater, a long grey coat with a red peace symbol on it, blue jeans and dark boots. This is Munehisa Iwai, the owner as well as a good friend of mine. I have...several connections on school, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara.
"Katsumi, didn't expected for you to dropped in. Looking for the latest?"
"Yeah something like that..." I said as we talk. Once I got what I wanted, I left the store. As I walk to the station, My phone vibrates. I pull it out and see who it is, It was Sojiro. "What's up Sojiro?"
"Sorry to bother you, but can you pick up someone by the station? Because he'll be living in the shop until next year in the attic." Sojiro told me from the phone. I'm very curious as to see who will be living in Leblanc.
"Can I go back there and clean the attic first?" I asked.
"Well...I suppose you could do that." Sojiro said.
"Good. What's he look like anyways?" I said. Normally I asked why, but I'll figure it out later.
"He's...about your age, frizzy black hair, and wears a pair of glasses." Sojiro said.
"What's his name?" I asked him.
"Ren Amamiya."
Ren's pov
I woke up as I fall asleep at the train. I look around me as I hear the announcement. Guess it's getting near...but...How do I get into this mess..?
(Flashback)
That night , I saw a drunken man trying to force a woman into his car. I of course won't let that happen. I touched his shoulder as he tried to backhand me before he falls down on his head though mostly he fell on his own. As I try to process what just happen, He stands up as he hold where his head bleeds and glares at me.
"Damn brat! I'll sue!" He said and the next thing I know, I got arrested.
(Flashback end)
After that happens, I got expelled from my old school because of that happened. My parents even agreed to sent me here...what a mess. I heard from two girls that talked about 'mental shutdown', I walk out of it as I went to the Station. As I went outside, I look at my phone for direction, but a strange app suddenly appears. I touch it before I see people stop moving. I look around before seeing a blue flames for the moment. The flames slowly turns into a humanoid being with wings before I saw myself with yellow eyes. I see it for the before everything back to normal. Once I look at my phone again, I deleted the app.
"You, Ren Amamiya?" A voice said as I look who it is, it was a young man. He appears to be the same age as me, he has black anime-styled spiky hair. He wears a gray hoodie with blue boom headphones on his neck, red plaid trousers, blue sneakers. He is carrying a paper bag in his right hand.
"Yes?" I said.
"I was told to pick you up..." he said as he stares at me. "And also I was told that you're on probation, right? You look more like a victim...?."
"Thanks..." I said while sweatdropped.
"Enough chitchat! Follow me." He said as I follow him...
We catch the next train as we arrive in Yongen-Jaya. I followed him before arrived at a cafe. The cafe was named Leblanc.
"Why are we here?" I asked.
"Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that you'll be living until next year. I don't know why he let you live here instead of his house, you should ask him about it, and we're happens to be next door neighbor...And Me and my mom happened to be regulars here." He said. "And also...don't cause trouble for Sojiro, okay? The last thing you want to do is living in the streets or worse case, to juvie."
"I won't..."
"Good." He said as he walked away, but stop as he turns around at me. "Name's Katsumi Matabei by the way. You go to Shujin, right?"
"Shujin?"
"Shujin Academy...that's the school you'll be going to. And just a little heads up, there's no point hiding that record of yours. Everybody knows about it." Taiki said.
"What do you-"
"You'll find out soon...If you have any trouble give me a call or come to me, alright? I got a hunch that we'll be in the same classroom." He said as he gave me a piece of paper with his phone number before walk away. He was quite friendly...to say the least. Before I enter the store, two elderly couples came out from the store. Once I go in, I saw an elderly man who has slicked-back dark hair with a receding hairline, and a chinstrap beard with a goatee that flares out. He wears a pink dress shirt, white trousers, and black apron.
"You must be Ren..?" He asked as I nod. "I'm Sojiro Sakura, You'll be in my custody until next year." The man named Sojiro said as he introduced himself. "I was hoping about what kind of unruly kid I going to habr, but you're the one huh?" He said before talking again. "Have you been told? A customer of mine knows you're parents and-Well it doesn't matter...Follow me." He said as I followed him upstairs, which it leads to the attic. "This is your room. You're lucky Katsumi cleaned it up for you and he also put some sheet to the bed. What do you think?"
"It's...nice and big."
"Yeah...and it's on to you to keep it this way, because he won't be cleaning your room again." Sojiro said as I nod. "I'll be leaving after I locked up each day. I'm sure he already told you this, You'll be alone at night. And don't do anything stupid. Do that, I'll throw you in the streets...understand?"
"Yes sir, no need to tell it twice." I said.
"Good. Now then..." Sojiro said as he folded his arms. "I got the gist of your situation. You protected a woman from a man who is forcing himself on her, he got injured, and he sued you. Right? That's what you get for sticking your nose in a matter between two adults. You did injure him, yeah?"
"Yeah..." I said as I don't want to remember it.
"...And now that you've got a criminal record, you were expelled from your high school. The courts ordered you to transfer and move out here, which your parents also approve. In other words, they got rid of you for being a pain in the ass." He said as his hands are around his waist.
"That's...one way putting it."
"It's best you not talk anything unnecessary. I am in the restaurant business, you know. Behave yourself for the year. If nothing happens, your probation will be lifted."
"So it had been said." I said understood.
"Guess you understand...your sentence lasts until next spring. Which is why you're here for the coming year. I think Katsumi also already mentioned this, You'll be sent to the juvie if you cause any trouble. Understand?" He warned me as I nod.
"Sure. I'll be going to Shujin, right?" I asked as Sojiro were surprised.
"Guess Katsumi already told you about that one too." He said before laughing a bit. "Yes. Tomorrow, we'll be introducing ourselves to the staff there. There's rarely a place that accepts someone like you, you know." He said as he sighed. "What a waste of my Sunday..." Then he look at the box on the corner. "You're 'luggage' arrived earlier today. I put it in the corner. I'll be in downstairs, continue working." Sojiro leave as I went to the box my parents sent it here and open it. It's full of clothes I need for a year. I change into my pajamas as lie down in my bed. Sojiro closes the shop and lock the store as I prepare to sleep. As I lie down, I reminisce another part of my past.
(Flashback)
(In Ren's Hometown)
It was pretty late as I just got from my school. On my way home, I saw a voice of a man and a woman arguing to each other.
"Stop it, please!"
"Shut up! Just get in the car!"
The voice was in the distance...it's not from here. I walk to where the voice is as I saw something horrible. The man was trying to force the woman.
"Please, don't!" The woman said as she was struggling.
"Don't give me that shit..." the man said as he bothering her...the worse part is he was drunk.
"P-Please...stop!" I can't ignore that as I rush into them. But they don't notice me yet.
"Tch...what a waste of time. You think you're worth causing me trouble? Huh?"
"I-I'll call the police!" She threatened him but it doesn't work.
"Heh, call them if you want!" The drunk man snorted. "The police are my bitches. they're not gonna to take someone like you seriously." A sound of the police siren can be heard from here. "Tch...Someone called the cops, huh? Get in the car!" He said as he was forcing the man into his car. "Incompetent fools like you just need to shut your mouths and follow where I steer this country!" He said as started to notice me. "What are you looking at? Get outta my face!" He start to approach while being aggressive. "This ain't a show...get lost kid!" He then look at the womam. "See? This is all because you're so damn slow! Get in the car!"
(Flashback end)
If it weren't for him...I wouldn't in the mess. As I prepare to go to sleep, my phone vibrates as I pull it out and saw the weird app again. I deleted again as I go to sleep...
(Somewhere, ?)
I suddenly wake up as I stand up. I'm in a sort of a prison cell. I see the the chains, the walls were blue, a toilet, and the bunker beds. I look at myself as I now wears a prison attire and my hands were chained to each other.
As I processed what's going on, I heard a chuckle. And just like that, two ash blonde girls appeared in front of my cell. They were twins who wears matching prison guard outfit, hat and eyepatches. But with several differences. The girl to my left has a french braid hairstyle while to my right is har buns. Their hats also have different letters, the left has 'O-Y-O-O' while the right has 'X-M-R-N'. And they're eyepatches are contrast with one another.
As I walk to my cell, I notice that my leg was chained by an iron ball. Then, the twins turn around as I look who is in the desk. It was a bizzare old man with an extremely long nose, pointed ears and bulging, bloodshot eyes. He wears a black suit with white gloves. He's smile scares me a bit.
"Trickster...Welcome to my Velvet Room." He said with a deep, malicious voice. I tried to open the door but it's no use.
"So you've come to, Inmate." The right twin said.
"The you in reality is currently fast asleep." The left twin said.
"You're in the presence of our master. Stand up straight!" The right twin shouted as I look at their 'master'.
"Welcome. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It is a room where only those who are bound by a 'contract' may enter. I am Igor, the master of this place. Remember it well. I summoned you to speak of important matters. It involves your life as well."
"Important matters...?" I asked as 'Igor' nod.
"Still...this is a surprise...The state of the room reflects the state of your own heart. To think a prison would appear as such. You truly are a 'prisoner' of fate. In the near future, there is no mistake that a ruin awaits you."
"Ruin...?" I asked.
"I speak of the end to everything. However, there is means to oppose such a fate. You must be 'rehabilitated'. Rehabilitated towards freedom...That is your only means to avoid ruin...Do you have the resolve to challenge the distortion of the world?"
"Wait, what!?"
"You didn't decline, hm? Very well, that is enough. Allow me to observe the path of your rehabilitation." He said as the twin turns around to face me. "Ah, pardon me for not introducing the others. To your right is Caroline; To your left Justine. They serve as wardens here."
"Hmph, try and struggle as hard as you like." The girl named Caroline said.
"The duty of wardens is to protect the inmates. We are also your collaborators...That is, if you remain obedient." The girl named Justine said.
"I shall explain the roles of these two at another occasion." The girls turns around again. "Now then, it seems the night is waning...It is time. Take your time to slowly come to understand this place. We will surely meet again, eventually..." The bell rings as he finished speaking. Where is the bell?
"Time's up...Now hurry up and go back to sleep." Caroline said.
"Wait! I didn't deserve this! Why me!?" I shouted as everything goes dark...
Next chapter: Chapter 6: The Fool pt. 2
Chapter 5's out, make sure check it and give a review, okay? Hojo Yamazaki is an OC Confidant like Satsuki Kuroda, what arcana will be will replace the ones from the game. So stay tuned for next chapter!
