Authors Note: I keep forgetting to do this how dumb am I. But hello everyone it's your friendly neighborhood writer CrimsonA377. This is a disclaimer; I do not own Doki Doki Literature Club or the characters, nor do I own Invictus which was written by William Ernest Henley. Also, stick around past the story for some important info regarding the state of the story and it's continuation.

Chapter 9: Ripples In The Water

(My/MC's House, Sunday Morning)

One of the worst things to wake up to is pain. I once rolled out of bed and smashed my face against the floor when I was young and I remember the pain jolting me awake very clearly. However, there is a special kind of pain that only happens when someone hits the right area in the wrong way.

And as I lay peacefully on the ground in my bedroom, a painful object smashed against my crotch and my eyes shot open.
"AAAAH!" I scream in surprise and pain, rolling to the side and curling up. Next to me I heard a cry and Sayori was next to me in an instant, face full of shock and sadness.
"OH MY GOSH MONTY I'M SO SORRY I DIDN'T SEE YOU AND AND-" She began to apologize. Monika was up too and saw the predicament but while she had a look of sorrow and concern I could also see a bit of amusement in her eyes. Well, she was kind of a sadist in game with those Act 3 comments so maybe she had a bit of that in her normally.

The throbbing was painful and very hard to ignore, but for some reason as I looked at Monika and Sayori with their varying feelings about the whole thing I began to find it... rather funny. I began to chuckle through the pain and then laugh as I sat up. Monika seemed to finally lose her composure and a fit of giggles came from her. Sayori still looked very concerned and worried but also confused as she laughed.
"W-What? D-Doesn't it hurt?" She asked as I kept laughing.
"I-It does but it's j-just so funny-!" I laugh before I shift my leg and cause more pain. My laugh becomes a groan and now Monika is just laughing hard. Sayori looks between us before her expression lightens, and she begins to giggle a little as well. Any tension and pain fades and now it's just three of us, laughing and enjoying a mishap and just... being friends.

As the laughter died down I stood on shaky legs with Sayori supporting me.
"Are you okay?" She asked and I nod.
"Of course, it'll take more than that to put me down!" I exaggerate and earn a giggle from Sayori. Monika smiles and gets up as I stretch.
"So.. how about I treat you two to breakfast? But I don't feel like cooking so... how about a cafe? You said you can eat eggs right Monika?" I ask and she nods.
"Yes, I perform ovo-lacto vegetarianism; I can eat dairy and eggs but no meat." She smiled and I nod.
"Alright then. And before you say anything Sayori I'm not taking no for an answer, you are our friend and I want to have you there." I say, muting any self-depreciating comments she may have had. I could tell that once I suggested it she seemed uncomfortable but those words cleared the worry on her face. Nodding we all change seperately and get ready. When I get Monika alone I get her to look through the code for a cafe; sure enough there is one nearby. Once everyone is ready we set out on foot, making our way through the cool air towards the cafe.

Since it was Sunday we didn't have to worry about school so we all took our time during the walk. The chat was pretty normal; plans about the festival, hobbies and so on. It felt like I was getting to know Sayori even better now along with Monika and it was refreshing to have that weight off my chest. But I kept noticing that Sayori's expression would cloud as if she was debating something in her head. I had a feeling what that something is...

Hopefully though she will open up to us about it and we can talk it over peacefully. As we reached the diner I walked in with the two and immediately got a booth for the three of us. Sitting down on one end I found Monika sitting across from me and Sayori next to me as I smile at them both.
"Ah, I always liked diners. There was this one my parents used to take me to that looked like it came from the 1960's; super metallic and chrome with lots of old music and junk. It was always fun going in there." I muse and play with my fork idly. Monika smiled a bit and looked around.
"That does sound nice; this place has a modern twist but I think it's pretty nice." Sayori nodded to that and gave us a big smile, looking like a ball of sunshine for a moment.
"Yeah! It's got a welcoming feel to it, it's all nice and stuff!" She expressed and we all sort of chuckled, the air clearing and a comfortable and pleasant sensation taking its place.

From there we ordered our food and such; I got an omelette and a glass of cola; a mix between lunch and breakfast since it was getting close to noon. Monika got an omelette as well and some milk while Sayori got some pancakes and orange juice. We just talked and chatted while waiting for the meal, enjoying the company of each other. Glancing at Monika she truly seemed like she was enjoying Sayori's company, as if she had just found a friend in someone she had known for years. Likewise Sayori was very happy to talk to Monika and I as we deepened our friendship.

We went silent when the food got there but otherwise still enjoyed the time; it was a welcome meal and a welcome break to all the stress of last week. And tomorrow would be the festival which means a whole new set of challenges. However as the festival hovered in my mind I realized something and my eyes widened.
"Damnit I forgot we need to read poems at the festival tomorrow!" I groan, my head slumping down and hitting the table. Both girls sort of giggled at my reaction before Sayori pat my head comfortingly.
"I'm sure you have a poem you can write or use, we just need to think of one together!" Sayori commented reassuringly and I nod.
"Yeah I suppose, I guess if I don't want to read one of my poems I could go with Invictus..." I murmur and Sayori cocks her head.
"I haven't heard of that poem, how does it go?" She asks. I close my eyes and recall the poem for a moment.

"Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In a fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul."

The tone I spoke in was gentle yet firm as I recited the poem from memory. It was one of my favorites; back in high school I used it in one of my class projects and had kept it with me ever since. But well, that's just what made a good poem I suppose; the ability to affect people even hundreds of years past it's creation. As I look up I see both Monika and Sayori staring at me and I blush.
"Uhm... sorry. I just really like that poem; it's always interested me." I apologize but Sayori interrupts quickly.
"No no! It was... incredible! You seemed like a completely different person for a minute aha!" She smiled brightly and I feel embarrassed, blushing even more. Monika had a similar surprised look on her face, but she changed it quickly and smiled.
"Well, if you don't make a poem that you want to read to us all, you are welcome to read that one. I am sure people could appreciate that. By the way, who wrote that?" She inquired.
"Uhm... William Ernest Henley, back in the 1800's. He was a good poet." I muse and she nods.

The conversation turns to the festival and such after that; everything had been planned out since all the work was finished for the performance. Monika would read first, followed by Yuri, Sayori, me and then Natsuki. We would also talk and answer questions after for anyone curious about joining the club. I asked questions about the length and such of the festival which was confirmed to pretty much take up the whole day, like normal culture festivals in Japan back in my world. I suppose this place really was based on Japan, even if they spoke English.

Wait... I wonder what kind of money we use here? Glancing down at my wallet I study one of the loose bills in it; it looks almost like an American dollar bill. Noting this I begin to glance around some more; while I didn't notice to start it seemed like the aesthetic of Japan actually blended with American/English. But if someone bought the game in Mexico and this happened to them, would the world reflect their choice of country/origin? And would the money reflect the same? Or would it stay like this? Questions began to fill my head and I didn't realize I was staring at the table until a gentle nudge snapped me out of my reverie. Looking over I saw worried blue eyes and I smiled.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought Sayori. I'm okay." I answer the question she was most likely going to ask and she nods.
"You seem to do that a lot more than I remember you did. But I guess that's part of growing up huh?" She asked and I shrug.
"It's just who I am now I suppose. I tend to overthink things though, kind of a bad habit but one that's hard to get rid of." I admit and Sayori smiles a little, before her expression darkens just a little. I feel worry creep into my heart before she speaks.

"Umm.. thank you two for last night. I... I don't know what came over me but... b-but... you two have helped me so much already I-" Tears were flowing freely from her eyes now and I move closer, pulling her into a hug and letting Sayori just cry it out. Monika also gets up from her side of the booth and scoots us both over so she can hug Sayori too. She just kept crying as we comforted her, and eventually they became quiet sobs which soon became sniffles. I let her catch her breath before I spoke.
"Sayori... you are our close friend. We care about you. I care about you. And I'm sure Yuri and Natsuki care about you too. The club is a place for us all to come together, enjoy things we love and help the others out when they need it." I gently reply and Sayori nods and smiles a bit, her eyes red and puffy but full of life.
"Yeah... I know. I feel so lucky t-to have you. And you Monika." She turns to the club president and smiles brightly at her.
"Thank you for everything, thank you so much." She said and Monika looked almost sad for a moment, before smiling and nodding.
"Of course. We are friends after all. Anyways, since we are all done how about we go and spend the day together, just relaxing and such?" She asked. I grin and nod.
"Heck yeah. Is there an arcade around here? I would love it if there was!" I begin to get excited as Sayori giggles and nods.
"Yeah, and I'd like to maybe see around town some more!" She encouraged.
"Then let's get going shall we?" Monika said, and with that we paid and left.

The whole day after that was spent just giving all three of us a day to relax; we had fun window-shopping and such, going to an arcade that they did have and so on. As we walked the faces of the people around seemed to blend together for me; I frowned a little as I couldn't quite pin any of their faces even when I tried. Perhaps it was because they weren't technically coded into the game that they just sort of... exist? I'd have to ask Monika about that later. I shook the worries from my mind and continued on with both of the wonderful girls.

Yeah. They both were wonderful. All four of them were to be honest, and I'd give it everything to secure their futures. I felt confident and good about this all and this mood was definitely infectious; Sayori who had been upset and sad earlier was having the time of her life, and Monika likewise was having a blast. Walking past one store on our way through the town though I notice something; a beautiful silver ribbon. The length looked perfect for Monika, and it had small blue outlines of flowers on it. I clear my throat.
"Hey guys, can you give me a minute? I have to use the bathroom." I say and point to the store. The two turn around and look at each other before nodding.
"Sure, we'll wait here." Monika replied and I head into the store. Quietly moving around I grab the ribbon and check the price; it's not terrible and I have enough money on me. Although thinking about it I always felt like I had enough money or it came from somewhere else. How?

So many questions...

Shaking my head I bring the ribbon up to the clerk and buy it quickly, before having it put in a little box and stuffing it into my pants pocket. Smiling I walk out of the store and rejoin the two as we continue on. Our little adventure goes until the sun begins to set in which case the three of us turn back and head home. We reach my house first but before we go in I turn to Sayori.
"Umm.. Sayori... if you feel uncomfortable staying at your place you can stay here again." I offer, but Sayori smiles and shakes her head.
"No no... I can do this. But... could you walk me home Monty? I'd feel better that way." She asks. I nod and look to Monika who smiles.
"I'll just head home from here. Call me if you need me or something comes up." She replies and starts heading for her house. Well, she'll be back at my place once she's out of sight so it doesn't matter much. With that I take Sayori and head towards her place.

The way there is quiet and I almost feel it getting awkward; glancing over I see Sayori tensing up. Her eyes look ahead and while she has that smile her hands are trembling. Of course she's trembling; she almost died there a day ago. I look at her worried and place a reassuring hand on hers.
"Hey, if you are scared... I really won't mind letting you stay over." I offer gently. Sayori flinches at the contact but looks up at me and smiles warmly.
"No it's... it's okay. If I keep running from it I'll never be able to face it. I need to do this, for my sake. Remember how you said you had a new lease on life? I'm just following your example, ehe~" And with that, Sayori shined a smile brighter than the sun, alleviating my fears. I could trust her; I know I can. And I know the game has changed so she wasn't in danger of dying.
"Alright. But if you ever get scared, promise me you'll either call or come straight to my house." I ask and she nods.
"Of course."

As we reach the door to her house she unlocks and opens it, but I step in first.
"Wait just one moment. Let me at least get rid of... the things." I ask and she hesitates before stepping back. As I walk in the pieces of rope and the knife are still there, along with the outline of the chair in her room. I quietly clean everything up and decide to toss the knife out; I'll buy her a new one to make it up to her. Putting the chair back I look around her room for anything unusual. It takes a minute but I see nothing strange so I walk back out and move aside.
"There. It's cleaned up. Now... have a safe night please. And know you always have friends around." I gently say and she smiles, before shuffling.

"Monty...umm... remember what you said Saturday afternoon? W-When you s-said that it wasn't a g-good time? I'm r-ready now." My heart freezes and I stop, the smile fading on my lips. The confession; I had postponed it but she wanted my answer now?
"Sayori... a-are you-" I began to say but she nodded.
"Monty. I am. Please, tell me how you feel." She asked. My logic and judgement were at ends here, debating which way to go. Should I postpone it again or should I tell her the truth?

I'm silent for a long minute, long enough for Sayori to shift uncomfortably. I can see the worry and sadness in her eyes but it wasn't like before. She was not under the influence of the game. She was a stronger person now.

And against my own judgement I nodded.

"Sayori... I love you. But not in a romantic way. I love you platonically; you are the best friend I could have ever asked for and I don't want to change that because I don't see you in another way." I answer honestly. I see her twinge a little in pain but she nods.
"I... I understand. B-But it's not because I'm a burden." She said, almost adding that last part as if to keep herself on track. I smile.
"Of course not. I wouldn't have gone to hell and back if I didn't love and care for you." I say and she smiles a bit. She is still upset but I can tell my words at least make her feel a little better about it. I open my arms to offer a hug and she accepts, holding me tight.
"No matter how I feel, know that I'll always be here for you." I murmur and she nods, her head pressed against my chest.
"I know." I hear a muffled reply and smile. After a minute she pulls away and I straighten her hair a little.
"Now get some rest. Tomorrow is the festival, and we've gotta do our best yeah? We have a new lease on life!" I grin and it helps to bounce her back.
"Y-Yeah! A new lease on life for the both of us!" She cheers.

With that she bids me goodnight and we slowly part ways. I would be lying if I said I wasn't still concerned; that nagging part of me that always doubts my choices and words. But I push it aside as I walk home. Reaching the door it opens without me touching it, Monika standing there with a smile. I smile back at her and step in before turning around.
"She's okay. A little shaken, and sort of... upset since she asked for my confession answer again. But she's okay." I state and the club president nods before her arms wrap around my neck and I find myself pulled into a deep kiss. My eyes close and I wrap my own arms around her waist, holding her close. When we pull away for air I grin.
"You've been wanting to do that all day haven't you?" I ask and she giggles.
"Ahaha~ maybe. You got me addicted to your lips last night though." Monika mused. Leading her towards my room I pause when I feel something in my pocket.

"Wait, hold on." I began and reach into my pocket, pulling out the small gift box. Monika's eyes widen as I hand it to her, and she opens it before gasping.
"I... saw it while shopping and figured you would like it." I blush a bit but keep my smile. Monika's emerald orbs look at it before back at me, shimmering with tears. She pulls me in close and bombards me with kisses.
"I love it! I love it so much! Thank you so much Monty!" She kept repeating as I got smothered by kisses. I blushed heavily but smiled, happy to not only have made her feel so loved that she cried tears of joy but also from the affection she gave to me. It felt so different to be loved like this; it felt nice. And I could definitely get used to this.

For us in that moment, everything in the world was perfect.

(Natsuki's House)

Natsuki sat in silence, her eyes open and terrified. The sound of glass shattering and the heavy aroma of alcohol wafted from under her door and into her room. A man was screaming and yelling, his rage and anger apparent as he cussed out something on the television. This was how it went after all; on bad nights he would get like this. And then if she wasn't quiet he would come into her room...

Natsuki shuddered, tears threatening to roll down her cheeks. Bruises began to form unnoticably on her arms, and one on the side of her stomach. The world around her glitched and distorted for just a moment, before returning to normal.

The gears had begun to move.

Author's Note:

Hello everyone, it is CrimsonA377 here. I apologize for the lack of update on this; this one chapter in particular was marred by the fact I was working on another project at the time (I still am but I just came back to this one after writing a good bit on the other.) However, like I said above I wanted to talk to you about the state of the story and continuation.

I am going to continue it, and I am going to finish this story. Right now we have finished what I like to call the Sayori Arc; this was of course the first arc/act in the game so of course we had to deal with it first. But from here on out the story will become it's own thing; no more following the script set out by the game. And that's why I may be a little slower with these upcoming chapters. Unlike the Sayori Arc, the Natsuki Arc I have little planned for so I need to write down a plotline to follow for it.

And as for how long this story goes... let's just say I've got a good idea in mind for the following arcs, enough to give a conclusive ending to this story when we get there. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read this story so far and all who have reviewed it, especially finalsacre and Damastah101 since those two have consistently reviewed + supported this project.

And since we have reached the conclusion of the first arc, I think I will host a small Q+A!

Send in any NON-HEAVY SPOILER questions and I'll answer them to the best of my ability; anything about the story, writing, things you are confused on, etc. Don't go asking me about what's gonna happen though; you gotta read that!

Anyways, once again I appreciate all your support and giving me the drive to continue this story on; it really helps!

Yours Truly,

CrimsonA377