Hi everyone! I can't believe I've made it to chapter 9! I suddenly feel so dedicated right now...mehehehe. Well, as many of you might know already, our main cold blooded cassanova, Itou Makoto, has been kidnapped by the all too well known delusional evildoer, Katsura Kotonoha. Now, when I first started thinking of an outline for this chapter, I was stumped. What should I do to make this scenario feel realistic? How can I write from a delusional girl's point of view? I had written from Otome before, but I felt Kotonoha's delusional personality had to be more...how to describe it...complex. It had to be confusing and hard to understand...it truly had to feel insane. I wanted you all to read her monolougue and feel...disgusted, creepy but...somewhat enticed by her. For that kind of character, I put myself in a mind-set for a couple of days. I wouldn't smile or be super happy like I usually was. Instead, I only acted kind in front of teachers, friends, and other adults, but in front of other students, people I didn't get along with, strangers, I held an unemotional face. I would switch my personality from time to time, sometimes acting sweet and then sometimes responding in a blunt tone. Of course, this was only in school. I had to see how people would react to that kind of character. The result? It was often they got creeped out by me or couldn't understand me. To confuse them more, I even threw in a few sentences of japanese (I only know very little so it was kind of hard) that made no sense. Most people couldn't understand this behavior. And most of all, I acted as if I was better than them, which ensured my confidence to do what I had to do, which is the feeling I wanted Kotonoha to have all along. I really hope this chapter shows the hard work (and extreme weirdness that was very uncomftorble) that I went threw these last couple of days. I have gone as far as risking my sanity for this chapter. You people better like it! (JK :3) And so, lets start the disclaimer~!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN SCHOOL DAYS, SUMMER DAYS, CROSS DAYS, THE ANIME, THE MANGA, OR/AND THE GAMEPLAY.
And so, with all of this in mind...
THE STORM VERSION 2 HAS COME!
WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT!
CAN REINA PUT AN END TO THINGS ONCE AND FOR ALL?
AND SO...
C9: SAVIOR TO THEIR DEVIL
START!
**Home**
Why is this happening to me? I really, really don't know what to do this time. I'm totally lost. Oyaji is already on it, but even so, how can I possibly
trust he can finish things off in time? To think Kotonoha would kidnap Makoto instead of killing him...I never once thought that. Why didn't I think
more carefully about this? I grab a carton of orange juice out of the fridge and gulp it down, drinking every last bit, than toss it across the room.
I grab my rubber band off the table and tie my long hair into a high ponytail. I drop myself into the couch, lean back, and close my eyes. Maybe
I should have thrown the orange juice away after all. I try to clear my mind but questions keep popping up in my head. Why would Kotonoha inform
me so directly about her kidnapping Makoto? What is her objective? What's the point of Kotonoha kidnapping someone who dumped her? Does she
have an overall greater purpose? And if so, what is it?
I groan and lie down on the couch. I really can't think like this. I'm so frustrated, I don't know what to do. No, what can I do? There has to be some-
thing. I was able to find Setsuna's killer already. Although that didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. I have a flashback of Katou's death. Her lying
on the floor. Her body sprawled in such an unnatrual way. And her head. Smashed open. With blood and organs falling out. I open my eyes, and I
spring up. My heart is beating fast, and my hands are clammy and sweaty. I grab a mirror next to me and look into it. My face is pale. I slowly set
it down and cover my face with one hand. That image will haunt me for the rest of my life. I can't erase what I did. I sent her to death. I killed her.
No, I did worse. I executed her. With false dreams. And false hopes. I squint, trying to send everything I see out of perspective. But I don't close my
eyes. Because I'll see her again. On the floor. I'll smell her flesh and blood. I'll see pieces of what looks like rubber and mucus. I'll see it fall out her
head slowly. I clutch my black tank top with my right hand and my grey jersey pants with my left. I really don't want to see.
And a part of me is wondering wheather I should have come back to Japan or not.
**Thrusday**
I walk into the class. People are coming up to me thanking me for saving Sekai and Hikari from Katou. But now is not the time to be thanked. After
all, Makoto is still missing. But no one knows that obviously. It seems like Sekai and Hikari are out for the day. Well, it's only right they are given a
a break. They did just get kidnapped after all. I walk up the stairs and arrive at my seat. The class seems normal except a few lingering whispers.
"Hey, Itou isn't here today? Wonder why..."
"Does it matter? Who wants a pervert in the school?"
"Right~?"
"Do you think he went to beg Sekai for forgiveness?"
"As if anyone would accept his apology!"
"I heard he was actually really nice before you know?"
"I bet he was faking it."
"Duh!"
Laughter comes from around the room. I narrow my eyes. They wouldn't be laughing when they hear he's been kidnapped by Kotonoha. Or maybe
they would. He did get kidnapped by a girl after all. Any guy would find it funny. And out of all girls, the apparentely sweet and kind Katsura Kotonoha.
A person can only wonder how it was done. I do. But my mind is drifting to other thoughts. Like Kotonoha's true character...what's it like? From the
start, I knew her emotional and mental state was not well-balanced. Was there a clue then that could help me me out now? And how could she so
easily switch moods? Whenever she heard something she disliked, she changed and became strange and aggressive. How was it possible that she
could act meek and kind in front of people like Katou and her friends but then turn possesive and aggressive in front of me? Could it be she has a
multiple personality disorder and one personality is taking over the other? If that's what's happening, then she is obviously unaware of what she
feels and thinks. She believes she dosn't have to be. To her it's natrual. After all, she doesn't understand the person she is or was is dissapearing.
She doesn't know.
I fiddle around with my fingers and then I begin to play with my loose hair. When will the media come out with the news? Or will it stay as a shadowed
case? She did escape to sea after all. I'm afraid the National Intelligence Agency will get involved. However, that might help us. It's very likely they
won't through. Those elite agents will probably think it's a case not worth their time. They'll think, how far can a couple of kids go? They'll
underestimate Kotonoha. Maybe she showed me the picture as some kind off taunt. Knowing the NIA probably wouldn't get invovled and the limited
authority of the police force, maybe she believed sending the picture could make me give up, so that she wouldn't have to keep running away with
Makoto in her possesion. If that's the case, then it would be best if the NIA got involved. It's true the NIA has a bad relationship with the police force,
but fortunately, it's Oyaji we're talking about. He's been recruited several times to be an NIA agent, but has always refused, believing his place is with
the police force. However, Oyaji managed to mantain a good relationship with the NIA. And since he is the police force's chief, it's only expected he can
patch things up. Hopefully, the NIA will feel the same way. I can only hope though.
The teacher walks in, not even taking notice that Makoto is not here. He bgins to take attendence...
**Afterschool**
It seems I was called up by Oyaji to meet him at home. So here I am, sitting at the table across from two NIA agents. Oyaji sure works fast. He was
probably thinking the same thing as I was. I look at the two agents, one woman with long black hair and red eyes dressed in a black suit and one man
dressed with brown hair in a buzz cut with hazel eyes, also in a black suit. Oyaji clears his throught. "These are two agents from the NIA that will be
helping us out." "I'm Kanzaki Arisu," the girls says, introducing herself. I nod to her. "And I'm Tanaka Hiroto," the boy says. I nod to him as well. "I'm
Ishida Reina," I say. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Kanzaki-san seems to have an intimidating aura about her. And Tanaka-san seems to be the more
socialble one of the two. Of course, that's just a feeling I get. Kanzaki-san begins to speak. "The reason we wanted to talk to you today is about the
Sakakino case." I blink in surprise. Why would the NIA agents want to talk to me about such a special case? Do they think I had something to do with
it? Tanaka-san reads my mind. "We don't believe you have anything to do with this case." I sigh with relief in my head. "We just want your cooperation
in the case." I lean back into the chair. "Oh, so you just want my cooperation in the-" Wait. I stand up quickly as my chair drops tp the floor. "WHAT?"
These people are joking right? "We're not joking, if that' what you're thinking." My eyes move around frantically. "But...you're the NIA! Why do you
need a high schooler's help?" I ask, really freaked. Kanzaki folded her arms. "You've been in the front lines of this case the entire time," She points
out bluntly. "Why shouldn't we ask for your help?" She raises an eyebrow, "Unless...you don't want to?" I wave my hands in the air. "No, no, no, it's
not that at all! I just never expected this kind of thing...I mean for the elite intelligence of Japan to ask me for help..." I'm too flustered to say the
words. I bow to them both instead and quickly get up, frantic but also excited. "I'll-I'll do my best," I say in my best cool and calm voice. But inside,
I'm bouncing for joy and fear. For joy because I've always wanted to be a detective like Oyaji. Here's my chance. But also scared because, as an elite
special agent, going undercover and such can be really dangerous. Tanaka takes some papers out of his briefcase and hands them to me. "It's a
contract," he says, also putting a pen down on the table. "Just read over it and sign where you need too." They two get up and begin to head out the
door. "We'll be back early tomorrow morning to get those papers back," Kanzaki says. The two bow at me and I bow back and they leave. I stare at
the papers. Wow. I, Ishida Reina, will be helping out the NIA. I feel so happy right now. But Oyaji doesn't look too happy at all. Obviously. He doesn't
want his daughter in the middle of some case that could be dangerous. I hug him, hoping to reassure him. "I'll be fine Oyaji. Please let me work with
them. Okay?" He mutters something and pulls away from me, heading up the stairs. "Do whatever you want," He gruffs. He walks into his room and
slams the door. I smile. That's Oyaji's way of saying yes. I begin to look over the papers. I can't believe I'm going to work with the NIA. Now,
Kotonoha's goals are crushed for sure. After all, if the police force and the NIA work together, I'm sure no matter how far into sea Kotonoha is, this
newly allied group can find her. This will finally end, once and for all.
**Friday: afterschool**
The media hasn't yet been able to release the news about Makoto's kidnapping. I can only wonder how Makoto's family might feel, knowing that this
family member of theirs is in the possesion of a lunatic. It makes me wonder how Oyaji might have felt when I was kidnapped in America. I've realized
all this time, I've never once wondered how Oyaji coped with my kidnapping, how he found me, or any of those details. Maybe I'll ask him someday.
I wonder if he'll answer my questions when that day comes. I'm not sure. But I decide not to dwell on that right now. I walk down the road to the train
station when I suddenly get a call. Its the NIA. But it's strange. The NIA agents are calling already? I pick up the phone. "Hello?" I hear sirens and
other chatter in the backround. The girl NIA agent speaks up. "This is important so listen up. We've found Kotonoha's body." I jerk my head closer
to the phone. "What? But-" And then I cut myself on. She said Kotonoha's body. Her body? Could that possibly mean..."Is...Is she dead?" I ask, my
voice trembling. "Yes," Kanzaki replies. I begin to shake a little. "We've already gotten her parents to the scene to identify the body. Meet us at the
main headquaters. Okay?" I nod, But realize that she's over the phone so she can't hear me. "O-Okay." I hang up and walk into the train station,
incredibly confused. How could this be possible?
**Friday: NIA Headquaters**
I walk into the room where they keep the discovered corpses. The NIA agents and Oyaji are standing over one particular body. I walk over and stare
down at the sheets covering the body and look back up at them. "Can I confirm it for myself?" I ask. The agents show a hint of strain on their face,
and Oyaji looks away. The errie silence and their strange expressions make me suspicious. "What's wrong?" I ask Kanzaki, looking at her with one
eyebrow raised. Kanzaki looks straight down at me. "Are you sure you're prepared to see this?" I don't understand. "I don't get it," I reply. Tanaka
gives me a worried look. "The way the victim was killed...isn't normal. It's quite gruesome. Despite that, would you still like to see?" I look at Oyaji
as he goves me a quick glance then looks away. Obviously, he'd rather I don't look. But I have to see for myself. I nod at the two agents, a signal
that I do want to see the body. They both glance at each other, unsure. Then Tanaka swiftly unmasks the covers from the body. I gasp at what I see.
It's so disgusting that I fall to the floor and begin to shake. I can't stop myself from shaking. My eyes are wide and surely frightened. I have never
felt so weak in my entire life. I look up slowly again. The body looks exactly likes Kotonoha's body except..."Why..." I begin to say, my voice wavering,
"Why is her face bashed in?" Kotonoha's front part of the face was removed. and through that large hole where her face was supposed to be, was
nothing but parts of her brain and blood. Her skull was gone. And her hands and feet had been chopped off. Maybe I should have not looked. I turn
away from the disgusting sight. I can't look anymore. I feel my body shaking even more. I'm so scared, and I can't understand who would do this.
No one answers me. I hear the swishing of covers and I look up again. The body is masked once more, but the shaking won't stop. The image is
burned into my mind now. It doesn't stop flashing in my head. I cover my eyes with my hands with my head thrusted down into my knees, but the
image won't leave. I feel the tears drip down onto my uniform's skirt. "How..." I say, my teeth chattering and my voice cracking, "How could someone
have done this?" I hear Oyaji sigh sadly. He didn't want me to see. I should have obeyed his silent signal. "The face was bashed in with some sort
of hammer. And the hands and feet were cut off by some sort of sharp dozuki* we believe." Kanzaki says. How can she sound so calm? It was such
a gruesome sight. And then I realize something. "If...If the face is cut off...how do you know...that's...that's it Kotonoha?" I ask slowly in a small
frightened voice. I don't remember sounding this way since my incident in America. I feel so weak right now. And I feel like my surroundings are
a mystery to me. "Her parents couldn't tell, but her little sister, Katsura Kokoro, was able to identify her with a small star charm she made her. And
the family later found her wallet with their family pictures. Even if we can't compare footprints and fingerprints, We know it's Katsura Kotonoha."
Tanaka replied. So that's how they know. "She also has the same blood type and exact measurements as Kotonoha does, so we're sure this is our
apparent kidnapper." Kanaki added. "It's very likely that Makoto may have murdered her for kidnapping him." I remove my hands from my face
and lifted my head, feeling my eyes still wide and scared, and still trembling. Tanaka comes over and rests a hand on my shoulder. "For now, just
go home and rest. We've already sent a note allowing you to skip school for a while. Take as much time as you need. Also, you are temporarily
relived of your contract with the NIA. When you've recovered and are ready to cooperate again, let us know. just because Kotonoha is dead doesn't
mean we still don't need you, okay?" He pats my shoulder, trying to comfort me. But his last words sting me.
"This is a once in a life time opportunity after all."
**Tuesday: Home**
It's been four days since then. I haven't gone to school since. I'm at home right now, shivering despite the fact I'm underneath my covers. I've
been having nightmares every night since that day. They always play out the same way. In my dream, kotonoha always stands in front of me. I
stare back at her but I can't move. I want to say something to her, but I can't speak. Then someone comes up behind her and holds a hammer
to her face. Kotonoha stares at it frightened. I scream a warning. But then it's too late. She lies on the ground, her face bashed in, blood and
pieces of her organs falling out, along with her skull. The killer, who's face I can't see pick up the skull. He smiles, turns round, and runs away.
Suddenly, I'm able to move my feet and I run after him. But I trip over Kotonoha's body. As I get up, I discover her feet and hands are gone as
well, and that blood gushes out of her arms and pulses out her legs. I'm so shocked and I look over myself, covered in her blood. I begin to wail
and scream as Tanaka-san steps in front of me. I stop screaming and helplessy look up at him. He smiles to me and says only one simple sentence.
"This is a once in a life time opportunity after all."
And then I wake up.
I shiver again, sweating like crazy. It's always the same dream, night after night after night. I'm so scared to go to sleep. Sekai and Hikari have
tried to visit me, but I tell them this is something I have to do on my own. I can't get anymore people involved. No one else should have to see
what I saw. It was awful. and so, for the fifth time today, I throw up. Not forcefully, but natrually, because I get so sick whenever I think of that
sickening scene. I take my head out of the toliet and lean back against the bathroom wall. I won't scream and I won't cry. But the pain wants to
be so desperately released. My heart tightens with everyday that passes by. Every hour passes like an eternity. These pass four days have been
like an endless hell for me. I've thought about killing myself several times. I can't bear anymore nightmares. I look at at knifes and high buildings
as my saviors. I so badly want to be destroyed. But at the same time I don't. And I'm so confused inside. The NIA never stops calling either. They
are always calling, always asking for something. I once thought being part of the elite intelligence would be the most amazing experience ever. But
now, I want them all to disappear. I want to drown in the sadness and darkness that is slowly consuming my heart, my mind, my soul. And a part
of me wishes to find the light. I don't know if Makoto's kidnapping or Kotonoha's death has been aired or not. But I don't want to find out. I huddle
into my covers more, cruching myself into my bed. I'm so tired. Just so tired...and I only wonder what all my sacrifices have been for. And I also
wonder, why would Makoto kill Kotonoha like that? Was everything about him being taken a lie? Why would he go through all the trouble? And
why would he cut off her hands and feet after smashing her face in? It doesn't make sense. Then, not even three days had passed but suddenly,
she was dead. But what if Makoto being kidnapped wasn't a lie? What if he was kidnapped by her? If so, then why would Kotonoha come back?
A change of heart? Or another reason? I get off my bed and drop my covers, I take a shower. Then I find a black funeral dress and matching flats
and I put them on. I need closure. Or I'll never find peace.
**Later: Katsura Residence**
I'm sitting on the couch drinking some tea. I put the cup down on the table carefully, my hands shaking. I sit in front of her parents, unable to face
them. How can I? I was the person their daughter sent a message to. I can't find the words. And from the corner of my eye, I see a small little
girl peeking out her bedroom door. That must be Katsura Kokoro, Kotonoha's little sister. I feel a pang in my chest. It's me, pitying her. The fact she
must grow up with this kind of saddening family backround...it hurts thinking about the suffering that will follow this elementery schooler throughout
her life. I hear the mother speak up. "Why are you here? Do you feel responsible for our daughter's murder? If so, don't. We don't blame you." I
slightly look up. The mother has short light brown hair, and hazel eyes which have dark circles under them. She is wearing a black suit. The father
has black hair in a frizzy kind of buzz cut, as well as brow eyes filled with dark circles under as well, and also wears a black suit. Their expressions
are hard and cold. They really don't want to see me right now. "You...You don't blame me?" I ask slowly, my voice wavering again. "No," the father
answers. "If anything, I blame the boy who was secretly dating my daughter. He cheated her and rejected her, and this is what our lives have come
to." His voice is so sad and disappointed, but not at all angry. Or worried. "Don't...you know...care about this? Your daughter being killed this way...
you're not upset or furious?" I ask once more. They expressions remain the same as they cup their hands over one another. "Does it matter what
way she was killed if she's dead?" the mother asks me coldly. I feel like an idiot now. I drop my head and let my green strands fall over my face.
To parents, if their child dies, I guess it doesn't matter how they leave, since they will no longer be around. Why did I ask such a question? And
then, the little girl from behind the room comes out and walks over to me. She smiles brightly at me, and I slightly pick my head up to face her.
The mother and father stand up, looking upset and worried that their daughter has come out of the room during such a critical situation. She is
dressed in a black dress and wears black flats. She has her hair loose, except for the sides picked up in two small pigtails on the top of her head.
She has sparkling brown eyes, filled with hope and light. I used to have those eyes. Now, I only wonder where they went. She holds out her hand
to me. "I'm Katsura Kokoro! You're Onee-chan's friend right?" I take her hand, sit up straight, and I shake it, smiling just barely back at her. "Yes.
I'm your sister's friend, Ishida Reina. It's really nice to meet you." I reply, trying to keep a happy tone. She lets go of my hand and turns to her
parents. "Can I play with Onee-chan's friend Oto-san, Oka-san?" The parents glance at each other, worried. Obviously. They don't want their young
and innocent daughter involved in such a thing. I don't either. But I don't want to disappoint this little girl, who seems so happy. And I haven't found
the closure I need to be free from this hell that I've been living. So I give her parents the most confident nod I can muster. "It'll be alright," I say
meekly. They give me a nod of approval and leave the room to retreat to their room. Katsura Kokoro sits next to me. "Hey, can you call me Kokoro-
chan?" She asks sweetly. I can't refuse her offer. "Fine. But if you're Kokoro-chan, then I'm Reina-chan, okay?" I reply, trying to sound just as happy.
Kokoro smiles at me and nods, "Okay!" She jumps off the couch and runs inside her room, then comes back out with a large puzzle and places it on
the table. "You'll help me build this, right Reina-chan?" I nod, smiling back at her. "Of course." We begin to try to put the large jigsaw puzzle together.
As we work on the puzzle, Kokoro begins to talk again. "You know, Reina is a strange name," She mentions. I smile at her. "Well, so is Kokoro," I
point out teasingly. Kokoro smiles sadly. "That's what Onii-chan used to say to Onee-chan and me." I look up at her. "Is Onii-chan perhaps...Itou
Makoto?" Kokoro nods. So this little girl has met him before. I'm surprised he didn't become a pedophile and sleep with her too. Kokoro slowly
places two pieces together. "But, it'll be okay right? Because Onii-chan will stay with Onee-chan this time right?" I stop building the puzzle. What
did she say. "Wha-What do you mean by that Kokoro-chan?" I ask sweetly, my voice wavering again. Kokoro doesn't notice. "Everyone is saying
Onee-chan passed away, but that's not true. Onee-chan sent me a photo today of her and Onii-chan on a boat somewhere." I snap to attention.
"Wha-what?" That's impossible. I say the vbody myself. Kokoro confirmed it herself. "Bu-but, you, you know, you confirmed it was, you-your sister
right?" I ask, my voice cracking into high pitched squeaks. It's not possible. Kokoro is just denying her sister's death. But Kokoro shakes her head.
"That's true, but Onee-chan told me to. She said to say the broken body was hers. She said not to worry about it, that it was just a game we would
all be playing for a long time. And that I couldn't say anything about the game because everyone else was playing and it would ruin it for everyone."
Kokoro smiled sweetly at me. "But it seems Reina-chan didn't know about the game." I think I'm about to faint. Are her parents listening to this?
I look to the master bedroom but all I hear is snoring. So they went to sleep. I turn back to Kokoro, my vision feeling dizzy. "Um, can I see that
picture your sister sent you?" I ask in my nicest lightest voice. Kokoro runs to the room and comes back with her pink cellphone, and holds up the
screen to me. What I see shocks me. It's Makoto with his arms and legs spread out, each arm or leg tied with rope to a nail on a wall. He wears
black capris but has no shirt or shoes on. And many markings. Signs of whips and scratches. And I notice on his left hand, he has four nails missing.
Where his nails were are now flesh and blood. And hugging him is...Kotonoha. In her usual uniform. He face, her hands, her feet...all intact somehow.
How could this be? I look over to Kokoro. "Did Kotonoha say Makoto being like this was part of the game?" I ask, shaking a little. Kokoro nods. "She
says Onii-chan is making that scary smile as part of the game! And that it'll be over someday! But I absoulutely can't tell anyone!" Kokoro smiles at
me again. "But since Reina-chan was part of the game and didn't know, I thought I should tell you!" My hand trembles as I reach over and pat her
head slowly. "Yes Kokoro...Thank you. Don't...don't say anything from now on. Even if they don't know the game. Okay?" Kokoro looks confused but
then smiles and nods her head. "Okay! It's a promise!" She takes out her pinky and giggles happily. I link my pinky with with hers and we shake
pinkies before letting go. "It's a promise." As I leave the house, I feel myself staggering and shaking. So Kotonoha is still alive...and she even tricked
her innocent little sister. I can't tell Oyaji or the NIS. Kokoro would just be confused. I have to go take care of this myself. I can't be scared anymore. I
can't run away. And now, I know what I have to do.
**Thursday: At Sea**
I'm on a boat right now. I seriously can't believe I'm doing this. I spent the other day preparing for this. I told Oyaji I would be at a hot spring hotel
with Hikari and Sekai for a few days. They still have some days off and decided to go relax. When I came over telling them what happened, I really
thought they wouldn't blieve me. But they instead wanted to come with me. Of course I said no. I can't get anymore people involved in this. I did
ask them to cover for me though. Hikari is really good at copying voices, so if Oyaji calls, it'll be her who can cover my voice. I only hope they can
buy me at least two days of time. I also went back over to Kotonoha's house. And apparently, Kokoro received an "update" about the "game" from
her sister. Kotonoha told her in a text message that she was landing on some islands not too far from Japan, an island their family owned as a villa.
She said not to tell anyone again and that the game will be over soon. I tried to call back but it seems the call was untraceable. And so now I'm at sea
making my way towards this island that the Katsura family owns. Apparently you can't get in unless you're a part of the Katsura family. And so I asked
Kokoro to lend me her ID that lets her go through. I made an exact copy, except I placed my photo, age, and birthdate diffrently. Since the workers
there don't really know anything about Kokoro, and Kokoro's never been there, it was perfect to use her identity. So here I am making my way to
the Katsura's island villa, Moon Island. I only hope that I'm not to late in my decision.
**Friday: Late Night**
I've made it. Parking the boat was a bit of trouble, but now I'm sitting on the beach staring at the night sky. I can see why they named it Moon Island.
The moon looks beautiful from here. So much better then anyplace in Tokyo. But thats not important now. Right now, I need to focus on finding
Makoto. The house isn't too far away from here. I better get going. I stand up. I have to fix this. I'm ready. Filled with confidence I turn around. But
what I see surprises me. It's Kotonoha. I stagger back. She's wearing her usual high school uniform. She holds a dozuki* in her right hand, and a small
silver dagger in her left. Her eyes are lifeless, but she smiles sweetly at me. I feel like my very existence is being absorbed into her eyes, like she's
trying to posses me. It feels strange, and very different from Otome's dark eyes. Almost welcoming, and yet hostile. I feel like it's a trick, like she's
trying to decieve me in some way, or decieve herself. I try my best to make my face hard and cold. "It's been a while Kotonoha," I say to her in the
coldest voice I can muster. Kotonoha nods, still smiling a sweet smile. "It has, hasn't it. I would applaud you for finding me but I can't really let go of
this right now can I?" She lifts the dozuki. I stiffen. "It seems you can't," I reply meekly. Kotonoha giggles. I suddenly feel surprised. I didn't expect
to find her so happy like this. She's doing something so awful but...she doesn't care. She has something she wants, and she'll do anything to get it.
She's a psychopath. Someone incapable of caring of other people's feelings, and someone who only wants what's best for herself. I don't even think
she's capable of feeling empathy for others anymore. Only for herself. Everything she does now is for herself. Even tricking her little sister...I clench
my fists tightly. "Why...would you do something so horrible? You killed that woman right?" Kotonoha looks confused for a minute. And then she giggles
again. "Oh, her!" She says happily. "Well it was part of the plan. If I wanted to trick you and everyone else into thinking I'm dead, I had to get a faux
body. I was lucky eough to find her. She looked exactly like me, other then the fact she had different colored eyes. And they would have recongnized
the diffrence in our handprints and footprints right? I had to kill her that way. It was kind of fun though." Kotonoha smiled again. I glare at her. She
truly makes me sick. I can't believe I once wanted to be friends with her. Time can sure change things. Kotonoha cocks her head to the side making
a confused face then smiles. "Ara, what's with that scary face? It seems that you don't like me now," She says. "Why would you do this?" I growl, my
voice trembling with anger, my body shaking in fury. Kotonoha moves forward. I don't move back but hold my post instead. She points the dagger
upward. "Well, that's obviously because I want Makoto-kun!" She says happily. She throws the dagger at me. I jump back just slightly dodging it.
A slit opens on my left cheek and a few strands of hair fall from my head. I take out the dagger I was hiding underneath my skirt. I hold it to my
side. Kotonoha brightly smiles at me innocently. "So you brought something with you? It seems we're no longer friends..." Kotonoha rushes towards
me. I have no time to react. She thrusts the dozuki trying to split my face, but I block the attach with the small dagger. She grins widely at me.
"Reina-san," She finishes. I smirk at her. "Kotonoha-san." We spilt apart and clash weapons again. "But I never expected you to be so good at this,"
Kotonoha says smiling back. I narrow my eyes at her and smirk again. "I'm not the daughter of a police chief for nothing," I say. She jumps away
from me and points the dozuki at me. I hold my dagger across my face. "Why are you trying to kill me?" I ask her, glaring now. Kotonoha narrows
her eyes but continues to smile. "Because you're a hinderence to my plan," she bluntly replies. I streghten my stance ready for any attack. "What
plan?" I ask. "My plan to be with Makoto-kun forever of course!" she replies happily. "Makoto...where is he?" I ask, my voice forceful. Kotonoha
smiles at me. "In our home villa. But it doesn't matter does it?" She spins around and tries to lash an attack to the side of my neck. I duck and kick
upwards, but I miss, and she tries to stab me while I'm down. I roll over, dodging the attack, and pick up her dagger, and use both daggers to block
a frontal attack from her dozuki. "You'll be dead soon anyway," She whispers smiling, her eyes growing wide with crazed excitment. Her eyes have
that kind of insane look to it, and although they are lifeless, they are gleaming with pleasure. I'm currently on one knee, struggling to keep blocking
her forceful push with the dozuki. She suddenly backs away, and skips back a couple of steps. She giggles happily. I quickly stand up. I'm breathing
really hard. I had no idea she was such a good fighter. "I...have another...question," I say, breathing in between. "Wha-at~" She replies sweetly,
stretching out her words cutely. She really does make me sick. "What..did you do to...Makoto?" I ask. Kotonoha smiles. "So my little sister showed
you the picture right? Of me and Makoto-kun." I glare at here. "Yeah. What was up with that picture? And why did you trick your little sister for?" I
ask, snarling at her. Kotonoha giggles sweetly again. "I just didn't want her to worry. I needed her to help me. And Makoto-kun...he's like that because
he won't say those words I want him to say. And he won't do what I want him to do." She giggles again. "Makoto-kun is being a bad boy you know."
I can't believe her. Does she think she has control over what he says and does? "What is it you want Makoto to do?" I ask angrily. Kotonoha smiles.
"I want him to say he loves me," she replies, "that he wants to be with me like this forever. And then I want him to make love to me. I'm the only
one who hasn't been with Makoto-kun. Why can Makoto-kun so easily be with other girls but not me? After all, he won't say those words and he won't
become one with me." She giggles again. "The things I did to him were to give him a little push." I glare furiously at her. "So you ripped off his nails
and whipped and slashed him that way so that he would say and do those things?" I ask, trying to clarify. Kotonoha nods. "Correct." I bow my head
down, every part of me shaking in anger. I suddenly stand up straight. "You know...you don't control him! How can you make people do things they
don't want to!" I scream at her, tears pouring from my eyes. I'm trembling everywhere. "It's not right!" Kotonoha smiles. "Why should you care?" she
asks me. "It's not like you have feelings for Makoto-kun. Shouldn't you be hating him? He's the reason both Kiyoura-san and Katou-san are dead." My
eyes widen. Kotonoha smirks. "One of the workers were talking about it. And he's also the reason that Katou-san's three friends are dead as well, am I
wrong? In that case..." she lifts the dozuki and points it to me. "He's like an evil devil that haunts you am I wrong?" Kotonoha smiles and suddenly
runs forward, laughing hysteriacally while swinging the dozuki at me. I dodge several times and then she slices close enough to slice through my
dress and just barely slices my stomach. I stagger back and hold my wound. Even if it's shallow, losing too much blood could be a defect for me in this
battle. Kotonoha smiles at me. "He's everyone's perfect example of a devil. So why do you want to save him?" Kotonoha askes me sweetly. I clench my
teeth and my two daggers. I already know the answers. "I was once in the same situation as him. I pity him. I don't want anyone to go through what
I went through," I harshly reply. Kotonoha narrows her eyes. "Even if he's everyone's devil?" she questions me, without smiling. I lower my head for
a minute. But then I straighten up, and point both daggers forward, and place my body into a sturdy body stance. "If he's everyone's devil..." I face
her making direct eye contact with a determined and strong expression, surprising her. "THEN I'LL JUST BE HIS SAVIOR!" I shout out. She blinks
in surprise, but then narrows her eyes in frustration and anger. "We'll see about that," she says calmly. She springs forward her dozuki swinging to
my right hip. I block it with one dagger, and use the other to point at her into her neck. Neither of us moves. "Just give up Kotonoha," I say to her
calmly. "I don't want to fight you, nor do I want to hurt you or kill you." Kotonoha smiles. "If you won't kill me, I'll kill you. And I'll take Makoto-kun
far away from this place," she replies. She jumps away from me again and point the dozuki at me. "This time I attack," she says, "It's for real. I'll
kill you, or you'll kill me." She smiles sweetly again. And I realize she doesn't want to go back. I must comply, if I want to save Makoto and end this
never ending cycle of suffering. I point my two daggers at her. "Got it." She grins widely and charges forward. I run towards her. Kotonoha spins twice
creating a full frontal attack, throwing away all defense. I toss away one dagger and do the same. And for a minute it feels like time stops. And then,
Kotonoha falls to the ground, holding her wound below her chest. She laughs hysterically as I stare down at her, giving her a sad look. Then she stops
laughing and turns slowly towards me. "Do you think...if I die right now...someday...that maybe...I could start over again?" She asks me weakly. I
see tears appear in her eyes. They drip down her cheeks. I give her a sad expression. "Who knows," I reply, walking away from her.
I run towards the vacation house, tears spilling out my own eyes. I wish I could have done something for her. But it's too late now. I walk inside
the house, as the door is already open. And in the darkness, I see someone's head jerk up. And I turn on the light. On the floor lies a tied up and
gagged Makoto. He has bags under his eyes and is shirtless. Today, he is missing seven nails, and looks like he's been given several lashings. It seems
like he's had it rough. He looks so surprised to see me. I quickly run over and begin to untie him. "It's okay," I whisper soothingly in his ear.
"Everything is going to be fine." After I'm done releasing the ropes that binded him, I also untie his gag. He takes a few deep breathes at first, but then
looks up at me, frightened. "Why did you save me?" He asks, his voice and body shaking and trembling. "After-After everything I've done..." He chokes
up in mid-sentence. I hug him. "I'm your savior, even if you're a devil," I say to him. He slowly hugs me back. and then he cries. He cries and cried. He
can't control himself. He shakes and cries, and all I can do is hold him. And to myself I can finally think:
It's finally over.
I can finally be at ease. Because it's finally over. But...what happens now?
Next Time: C10: Epilougue: Refresh
The mystery is solved...but can we move on?
*Dozuki: A japanese knife
I'm really glad the main part of the story is over! And I just want to thank all the people who reviewed and helped me out with this story. Thank you for supporting me all this time!
LOOK FORWARD TO THE LAST CHAPTER!
-SASAMI1996 :3
